PhD Student Position in Public Economics

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The KOF Swiss Economic Institute at the ETH Zurich is the leading institute for applied research in economics in Switzerland (www.kof.ethz.ch ). KOF conducts well-founded and independent research on the Swiss and international economy. It addresses structural and economic policy issues with social relevance.

Job description

You will conduct academic research of high policy relevance within the National Science Foundation (SNF) Project “Intergenerational Mobility: Multi-Dimensional Patterns, Determinants, and Effects on Beliefs ”. The project is led by Dr Isabel Z. Martínez.

Using large-scale register data, the primary research goals of this project are:

• to document intergenerational mobility in Switzerland along multiple dimensions (income, wealth, education, and occupation) and how it varies by gender, and migratory background, over time and across regions;
• to analyze how the composition of peers affects intergenerational mobility;
• to estimate the causal effects of different parameters of the education system on outcomes later in life and, thereby, intergenerational mobility;
• to study how career progression and labour market outcomes differ by parental background;
• to conduct a survey, including a small experiment, in order to study self-assessed intergenerational mobility, preferences for redistribution, and political participation.

During the PhD, you will be well-integrated into the institutional activities and participate in regular team meetings. You will work closely with the project leader and other team members. The goal is to produce high-quality research leading to academic publications. The position is intended for a duration of 4 years.

The optimal starting date for this position is September 2023.

Your profile

• You are excited about the research that aims to solve real-world problems. You finished your degree with excellent grades. You have the potential to conduct high-quality research and pay attention to details. You care about having a positive impact on your research.
• You are excellent at quantitative reasoning. You understand what data can and cannot tell, can communicate that to others, and know when to apply which method. You have rigorous statistics training in causal inference, and a strong command of Stata and/or R (knowledge of machine learning methods is a plus).
• You have, at the time of appointment, completed a Master’s degree in Economics, Political Science, Sociology, or Data Science. You have a strong interest in topics related to inequality, the economics of education, and labour economics.
• You have excellent verbal, written, and visual communication skills. You like to collaborate with others, have a compelling writing style in English and German, and like to use convincing visualizations to communicate statistical insights.
• You have the required language skills. For this project, command of written and oral German is a must. You will document policy changes that took place across Swiss cantons in the 1980s and 1990s, based on archive material and direct inquiries with cantonal representatives. Knowledge of French is an advantage.

Your workplace

Your workplace

We offer

We offer the opportunity to pursue a high-quality PhD at a renowned institution and to work in a dynamic and collaborative research environment. ETH Zurich offers internationally competitive working conditions. Gross salary will be in accordance with the regulations of ETH Zurich .

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Curious? So are we.

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

• Cover letter that includes a short description of your research interests
• Curriculum vitae
• Writing samples in German or English (e.g.  Master thesis)
• Complete academic record with undergraduate and graduate courses and grades
• Copies of certificates
• Contact information for 2 potential referees

We will start reviewing applications after February 24th 2023. The position will remain open until it is filled. Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Unless a job offer is rejected, candidates who are invited for an interview will be reimbursed for travel expenses.

Further information about KOF Swiss Economic Institute can be found on our website www.kof.ethz.ch . Questions regarding the position or application procedure should be directed to our HR Services [email protected]  (no applications).

About ETH Zürich

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.