PhD Student in Public Economics / PhD Student in Public Economics

PhD Student Position in Public Economics

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

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

Job Description

The PhD position is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF) through the project "The Economics of Inheritance and Inter-Vivos Gifts." The project is led by Dr. Isabel Z. Martínez at ETH and Prof. Marius Brülhart at the University of Lausanne, with the involvement of Aurélien Eyquem and Enrico Rubolino as associated researchers.

This project will examine questions regarding inheritance flows, inter-vivos gifts, bequest motives, and taxation. As a PhD student, you will engage in all stages of research, from data cleaning to data analysis, result visualization, and drafting the final research paper. The position is based at the KOF Institute at ETH Zurich, and during your PhD, you will be well-integrated into institutional activities and participate in regular team meetings. You will collaborate closely with project leaders and team members to produce high-quality research targeted for academic publication. The intended duration of the position is four years, with an optimal starting date in September 2026.

Profile

The ideal candidate for this position will:

• Be excited about research that aims to solve real-world problems. You have completed your degree with excellent grades and possess the potential to conduct high-quality research with a keen attention to detail, aiming for a positive societal impact.
• Exhibit strong quantitative reasoning skills. You have rigorous training in statistics and causal inference, with a strong command of Stata. You understand the capabilities and limitations of data and have a demonstrated interest in applied econometrics.
• Possess a Master's degree in Economics at the time of appointment. You show a strong interest in public economics, inequality, taxation, and labor economics.
• Demonstrate excellent communication abilities. You enjoy collaborating with others, possess a compelling writing style in English, and effectively utilize visual aids to present statistical insights. Knowledge of German and/or French would be an advantage, though not mandatory.

In our commitment to diversity, we encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.

We Offer

• Impactful Work: Join ETH Zurich as part of a community that supports your professional development and actively contributes to positive societal change.
• Benefits: Enjoy numerous advantages, including public transport season tickets, car-sharing options, a wide array of sports activities offered by ASVZ, childcare services, and attractive retirement benefits.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich fosters an inclusive culture, promoting equal opportunity and valuing diversity. We are committed to creating a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. For more information on our initiatives, please visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website. Sustainability is a core value we uphold, consistently working toward a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We!

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below.

• Cover letter that includes a short description of your research interests
• Curriculum vitae (no picture)
• Academic writing sample (e.g., Master's thesis or term paper)
• Complete academic record with undergraduate and graduate courses and grades
• Copies of certificates
• Contact information for two potential referees

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 research, and direct transfer of knowledge to society. With over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries, our university promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we forge connections worldwide to develop solutions to today’s and tomorrow’s global challenges.