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, embedded in the NCCR CLIM+ research program on Climate Extremes and Society—a significant initiative that connects researchers across various disciplines and Swiss institutions to study climate extremes and enhance societal resilience. Building on the Immigration Policy Lab's expertise in migration, your research will investigate how climate-related shocks may influence 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 the influence of climate extremes on migration, addressing an area with limited existing research.
- A core component of this position will involve combining global migration data with high-resolution climate extremes data and using credible identification strategies to analyze how environmental shocks impact various forms of migration, including asylum seeking, refugee movements, and labor migration.
- You will have the flexibility to independently develop additional research topics that align with the missions of IPL and the NCCR CLIM+.
- The position is located within the team of Dominik Hangartner at ETH Zurich, with opportunities to collaborate with affiliated researchers across the NCCR CLIM+ program.
- In addition to research, you will have small administrative and teaching responsibilities, amounting to 10% of your time.
Profile
Strong candidates will possess most of the following qualifications:
- A Master's degree in a social science program, preferably in Political Science, Economics, Sociology, Data Science, Computational Social Science, or a closely related discipline.
- Robust quantitative training and knowledge of statistical methods for causal inference using observational data.
- Proficiency in a statistical programming language (preferably R) and effective use of modern coding tools.
- Experience with geospatial data.
- Interest or background 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 the social and natural sciences.
- Outstanding proficiency and writing skills in English.
- Experience or interest in translating basic research into policy-relevant insights.
Workplace
The position is based at ETH Zurich, a prestigious institution recognized for its commitment to diverse fields of research and education.
We Offer
- A highly collaborative work environment within a motivated and supportive team.
- Opportunities to develop a network with academics and practitioners.
- Career mentoring from experienced researchers.
- Salary and pension benefits in accordance with ETH standards.
- Research and travel allowances.
We Value Diversity and Sustainability
Aligned with our values, ETH Zurich fosters an inclusive culture. We advocate for equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all our staff and students. For more information, visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we ensure an open environment that allows everyone to grow and thrive. Sustainability is a core value for us as we strive towards a climate-neutral future.
Curious? So Are We.
We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.