PhD Student in Sustainable Finance and Climate Risk / PhD Student in Sustainable Finance and Climate Risk

PhD Student in Sustainable Finance and Climate Risk

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

Are you a highly motivated and intellectually curious individual passionate about the intersection of finance, climate change, and corporate strategy? Would you like to contribute to cutting-edge research that informs investment decisions and shapes the future of sustainable finance?

The Sustainable Finance Group (SustFin) within the Department of Management, Technology, and Economics at ETH Zurich is inviting applications for a fully funded four-year doctoral position focused on the financial implications of climate risk. This PhD project, jointly supervised by Assistant Professor Thomas Giroux (Chair of Sustainable Finance, ETH Zurich) and Senior Researcher Chiara Colesanti Senni (Finance Department, University of Zurich), provides an outstanding opportunity to engage with urgent, real-world sustainability challenges. By combining rigorous academic inquiry with practical relevance, this project will foster a stimulating research environment at the intersection of finance, climate science, and public policy.

Job Description

This PhD position contributes to a pioneering research agenda, exploring the multifaceted impacts of climate change on corporate activities and financial markets. The successful candidate will conduct independent research across two interconnected themes:

• Quality of Transition Plans, Asset Pricing and Investment Decisions: Investigate the robustness and credibility of corporate climate transition plans, including market perceptions, implications for real-world decarbonation, and the integration of this information into investment and lending decisions.
• Impact of Physical Risk on Companies' Activities: Focus on quantifying and assessing the financial impacts of physical climate and nature risks on corporate operations and assets, utilizing advanced methodologies such as scenario analysis and satellite data to model exposure to climate-related hazards.

Profile

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with:

• A Master's degree (or equivalent) in Finance, Economics, Environmental Science, Data Science, Quantitative Social Sciences, or a related field with a strong quantitative component.
• Excellent analytical and quantitative skills, including proficiency in statistical software (e.g., Python, R).
• Demonstrated interest in climate change, sustainable finance, and corporate sustainability.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Prior experience with large datasets, econometrics, or geospatial analysis is a strong asset.

We Offer

You will be part of a positive research environment in a large, dynamic team at a globally leading academic institution. In our group, you will benefit from frequent interactions with leading researchers from across a vibrant community at ETH Zurich and around the world.

• A stimulating and supportive research environment within a leading institution in sustainable finance.
• Access to extensive datasets and cutting-edge analytical tools.
• Opportunities for international collaboration and participation in top-tier academic conferences.
• Dedicated supervision from leading experts in the field.
• A competitive salary and benefits package for a four-year duration.
• The chance to contribute directly to the evolving landscape of sustainable finance and climate risk management.

Your day-to-day supervisor will be Assistant Professor Thomas Giroux (Chair of Sustainable Finance, ETH Zurich) and Senior Researcher Chiara Colesanti Senni (Finance Department, University of Zurich). This PhD position is fully funded. You will be hired as a full-time researcher for the project's duration (2025/2026 to 2028/2029). The starting date is negotiable, but we are aiming to fill this position as soon as possible (late 2025 - early 2026). The position is based in Zurich, Switzerland, and remote work from outside of Switzerland is not possible due to legal constraints.

We Value Diversity

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to discover how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Curious? So Are We.

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

• A cover letter outlining your motivation and research interests, specifically addressing how your background aligns with the two research themes.
• A detailed CV, including a list of publications (if any).
• Academic transcripts from Bachelor's and Master's degrees.
• A research proposal (approx. 2-3 pages) outlining initial ideas for research questions and methodologies related to one or more of the project themes.
• Contact information for two academic referees.

Join us in shaping the future of finance for a sustainable world! Apply online using the form below. Please note that 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 fundamental research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society. More than 30,000 individuals from over 120 countries find our university an inspiring environment that promotes independent thinking and excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we strive to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.