Doctoral Student in Agricultural Economics

Doctoral Student in Agricultural Economics

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specialising in science and technology. It is renowned for its excellent education, its cutting-edge fundamental research and its efforts to put new knowledge and innovations directly into practice. The Agricultural Economics and Policy Group , led by Prof. Dr. Robert Finger, uses different quantitative methods to investigate agricultural policies and agricultural risk management instruments with a focus on Swiss and European agriculture.

The work is part of the project InsuranceGrass(‘Assessment of formal, natural and social insurances: how to cope best with impacts of extreme events on grasslands for sustainable farming systems?’). In this interdisciplinary project, a total of four doctoral students from ETH Zürich, the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Leipzig (Germany) and the University of Leipzig (Germany) will collaborate addressing management of climate risks in grassland-based farming systems in Switzerland and Germany. The project investigates the potential role of financial, natural and social insurance mechanisms to cope with increasing climate risks, identifies interdependencies between insurance types and derives recommendations for optimal industry and public policies. Find more information here .

You will investigate farmers’ management decisions to cope with risk from climatic extreme events such as drought. You will also assess the role of different insurance solutions e.g. weather index insurance and satellite-based insurance solutions, and study interdependencies with management in grassland-based farming systems. The thesis will combine theoretical and econometric analysis, and economic modelling.

We are offering a full-time position in a dynamic research team of agricultural economists in an excellent research and learning environment. Salary and social benefits are provided according to ETH Zurich rules. The starting date is April 01, 2022, the position is scheduled for 3 years.

You have a Master degree (or will be close to completion) in agricultural economics or a related discipline. Strong analytical and writing skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment are expected. Knowledge of German is a plus but not required. 

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Letter of motivation
• CV
• Diplomas
• soft copies of your master thesis
• contact details (no letters!) of 2 referees

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

For further information about the group please visit our website . Questions regarding administrative details of the procedure and position should be directed to Katarina Kliestenec by email [email protected] (no applications). Please apply online until November 15, 2021.

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.