PhD Position in Political Economy of Climate Change Adaptation Policies
100%, Zurich, Fixed-term
ETH Zurich's Energy and Technology Policy Group (EPG) is seeking a PhD candidate to analyze the design of climate change adaptation policies. This PhD position is part of the National Center of Competence in Research: Climate Extremes and Society - Strengthening Resilience (NCCR CLIM+), involving multiple investigators from other labs at ETH Zurich as well as other Swiss universities and institutions.
Job Description
- The PhD project will analyze the designs of policies targeting adaptation and resilience to climate change in Switzerland and beyond.
- It will also examine how these policies develop (policy process), including the influence of extreme events.
- The doctoral candidate will leverage public policy theories and utilize various qualitative and quantitative empirical methods.
- The candidate will be primarily supervised by Prof. Schmidt and will collaborate with Principal Investigators and fellow PhD students within the NCCR CLIM+.
- The doctorate will be conducted within the Einstein School's doctoral program, expected to be completed within 3–4 years.
- The position is for up to four years, with a salary in accordance with the Swiss National Science Foundation PhD regulations, which funds the NCCR.
Profile
- Applicants should hold a Master's degree in political science, public policy, or a related social science. Interdisciplinary candidates are welcome.
- Fluency in English is essential, along with proficiency in French and/or German. A good understanding of the Swiss political system is a valuable asset.
- The ideal candidate is committed to scientifically rigorous work that is also relevant to decision-makers in the public and private sectors. A team-oriented working style and strong communication skills are essential.
Workplace
Our offices are centrally located in Zurich, offering a dynamic and collaborative environment for research and innovation.
We Offer
- An entrepreneurial research atmosphere within an interdisciplinary and highly relevant project at continental Europe’s leading research university.
- The opportunity to contribute to the CLIM+ consortium's research discussions, with encouragement to co-advise Master's students.
- EPG is recognized as one of the world’s leading research groups in the field of energy policy, collaborating with national and international academic and policy institutions (e.g., Stanford, MIT, Princeton, the UN).
- A negotiable starting date, with a preference for fall 2026.
We Value Diversity and Sustainability
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. Sustainability is a core value for us, and we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.
Curious? So Are We.
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
About ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university fosters independent thinking and an inspiring environment for excellence. Located in the heart of Europe while forging connections worldwide, we collaborate to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.