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 the leading institute for applied research in economics in Switzerland. KOF conducts well-founded and independent research on 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. This project is led by Dr. Isabel Z. Martínez at ETH and Prof. Marius Brülhart at the University of Lausanne, with involvement from Aurélien Eyquem and Enrico Rubolino as associated researchers.

This project will investigate critical questions regarding inheritance flows, inter-vivos gifts, bequest motives, and taxation. You will be engaged in all stages of research—ranging from data cleaning and data analysis to result visualization and drafting a final research paper.

The position will be based at the KOF Institute at ETH Zurich, where you will be well-integrated into institutional activities and participate in regular team meetings. Working closely with the project leaders and fellow team members, the goal is to produce high-quality research leading to academic publications. This position is intended for a duration of four years, with an optimal starting date of 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 to conduct high-quality research, demonstrating attention to detail and a commitment to making a positive impact.
• Has strong quantitative reasoning abilities. You have rigorous training in statistics and causal inference, with a strong command of Stata. You comprehend the limitations of data and show a demonstrated interest in applied econometrics.
• Holds a Master’s degree in Economics at the time of appointment, with a keen interest in topics related to public economics, inequality, taxation, and labor economics.
• Possesses excellent verbal, written, and visual communication skills. You thrive in collaborative environments, have a compelling writing style in English, and use effective visualizations to convey statistical insights. Knowledge of German and/or French would be an advantage.

We strive to enhance our diversity, so we actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

Workplace

Join us at ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development but also contributes to positive societal change. You will benefit from various perks, including public transport season tickets, car-sharing options, a range of sports activities offered by the ASVZ, childcare, and attractive pension benefits.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich fosters an inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity and values diversity. We nurture an environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to discover how we ensure a fair and open environment for everyone. Sustainability is central to our mission as we continually strive toward a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below, which should include the following documents:

• Cover letter outlining 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 details 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. Renowned for excellent education and cutting-edge research, we seamlessly transfer new knowledge into society. Our community of over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries finds inspiration in our environment, which promotes independent thinking and excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we are committed to developing solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.