PhD Student in Climate Extremes and Migration Research / PhD Studentess in Climate Extremes and Migration Research

PhD Student Position in Climate Extremes and Migration Research

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Public Policy Group and the Immigration Policy Lab at ETH Zurich invite applications for a PhD student position starting in September 2026 or on a mutually agreed date. You will be part of a collaborative and interdisciplinary research team studying migration and public policy using quantitative social science methods. Your PhD project will focus on the intersection of migration research and climate extremes, as part of the NCCR CLIM+ research program on Climate Extremes and Society—a significant initiative that unites researchers across disciplines and Swiss institutions to study climate extremes and enhance societal resilience. Leveraging the Immigration Policy Lab’s expertise in migration, your research will explore how climate-related shocks may impact mobility across and within borders.

Job Description

We are seeking a PhD student to contribute to our research program on climate extremes and migration.

• The project aims to provide causal evidence on whether and how climate extremes influence migration, an area where existing evidence remains limited.
• A core component of the position will involve combining global migration data with high-resolution climate extremes data and utilizing credible identification strategies to examine how environmental shocks affect various forms of migration, including asylum seeking, refugee movements, and labor migration.
• Beyond this project, you will have the flexibility to develop additional research topics aligned with the mission of IPL and the NCCR CLIM+.
• The position is located in Dominik Hangartner's team at ETH Zurich, with opportunities to collaborate with affiliated researchers across the NCCR CLIM+ program.
• In addition to research, you will have minor administrative and teaching responsibilities amounting to 10% of your time.

Profile

Strong candidates will possess most of the following:

• Master’s degree in a social science discipline, preferably in Political Science, Economics, Sociology, Data Science, Computational Social Science, or a closely related field.
• Strong quantitative training and knowledge of statistical methods for causal inference from observational data.
• Proficient in a statistical programming language (preferably R), with the ability to effectively use modern coding tools.
• Experience with geospatial data.
• Experience or interest in studying migration, forced displacement, asylum processes, climate change, climate impacts, and related topics.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with project team members.
• Interest in transdisciplinary collaboration across social and natural sciences.
• Proficiency and excellent writing skills in English.
• Experience or interest in translating basic research into policy-relevant insights.

Workplace

ETH Zurich is located in a dynamic academic environment, fostering collaboration and innovation.

We Offer

• A highly collaborative work environment within a motivated and supportive team.
• The opportunity to develop a network with academics and practitioners.
• Career mentoring by experienced researchers.
• Salary and pension benefits according to ETH standards.
• Research and travel allowance.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture that values diversity and equality of opportunity. We nurture a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we strive to maintain a fair environment that supports growth and success. Sustainability remains a core value for us, and we are actively 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.

For further information about the Public Policy Group and the Immigration Policy Lab, please visit their respective websites. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Philip Grech at philip.grech@gess.ethz.ch (no applications).

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is among the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our outstanding education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries regard our university as a place that fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we foster connections worldwide, collaborating to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.