PhD Student in Public Economics / PhD Studentess in Public Economics

PhD Student Position in Public Economics

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The KOF Swiss Economic Institute at ETH Zurich is Switzerland's leading institute for applied research in economics. KOF conducts well-founded and independent research on both the Swiss and international economy, addressing 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 Zurich and Prof. Marius Brülhart at the University of Lausanne, with contributions from Aurélien Eyquem and Enrico Rubolino as associated researchers.

This project examines inheritance flows, inter-vivos gifts, bequest motives, and taxation. As a PhD candidate, you will be involved in all stages of research, from data cleaning and analysis to results visualization and drafting the final research paper.

The position will be based at the KOF Institute at ETH Zurich. You will integrate into institutional activities and participate in regular team meetings, collaborating closely with project leaders and fellow team members, aiming to produce high-quality research that contributes to academic publications. This position is intended for a duration of 4 years.

The optimal starting date for this position is September 2026.

Profile

The ideal candidate for this position:

• Is passionate about research that addresses real-world problems. You have completed your degree with excellent grades and possess the potential for high-quality research, paying attention to detail while making a positive impact.
• Excels in quantitative reasoning. With a solid background in rigorous statistics and causal inference, you have a strong command of Stata and an understanding of the implications of data.
• Holds a Master’s degree in Economics by the time of appointment. You exhibit a strong interest in public economics, inequality, taxation, and labor economics.
• Possesses excellent communication skills. You enjoy collaboration, have a compelling writing style in English, and effectively use visualizations to convey statistical insights. While not mandatory, knowledge of German and/or French is a significant advantage.

We value diversity and encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.

Workplace

Your job will contribute to the mission of ETH Zurich, which actively supports your professional development and contributes to positive societal changes.

We Offer

• Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, supporting your professional development while contributing to meaningful social change.
• Numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car-sharing options, a wide array of sports activities offered by ASVZ, childcare solutions, and attractive pension benefits.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

Consistent with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity, values diversity, and fosters a working environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Explore our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn more about how we facilitate an open environment that encourages personal growth. Sustainability remains a core value, and we are dedicated to advancing towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We invite you to apply online using the form below with the following documents:

• Cover letter highlighting your research interests
• Curriculum vitae (no photo required)
• Academic writing sample (e.g., Master’s thesis or term paper)
• Complete academic record detailing undergraduate and graduate courses and grades
• Copies of certificates
• Contact information for two potential referees

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. For more details about the KOF Swiss Economic Institute, please visit our website. Questions regarding the position can be directed to KOF HR Services at hr@kof.ethz.ch (no applications).

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is among the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. Known for its excellent education, groundbreaking fundamental research, and effective transfer of knowledge into society, ETH Zurich brings together over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, fostering independent thinking and providing an inspiring environment for excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we continuously work towards developing solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.