Postdoctoral Fellow in Development Economics / Postdoctoral Fellowess in Development Economics

Join the University of Zurich's Innovative Team

The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers numerous attractive opportunities across various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and 12 professional apprenticeship streams, the University provides an inspiring working environment focused on cutting-edge research and top-tier education. Put your talents and skills to work with us!

Your Responsibilities

Through the Lemann Center, the Department of Economics is partnering with the Alliance for Data, Evaluation, and Policy Training (ADEPT) to establish innovative graduate-level programs that blend in-person teaching with online courses within the J-PAL/MITx Data, Economics, and Design of Policy (DEDP) MicroMasters program. The focus of this position is to spearhead the development and launch of these programs in close coordination with Professors Esther Duflo (MIT/UZH), Sara Fisher Ellison (MIT), and Dina Pomeranz (UZH), as well as the ADEPT/UZH Economics teams. Additionally, the successful candidate will support other ADEPT university partnerships in the region and beyond.

• Co-design and help launch UZH-based programs
  • Curriculum design for new graduate-level programs offered through the UZH Economics department for students and policymakers.
  • Oversee logistical and operational requirements to launch the new UZH-based programs, including navigating national and university regulatory requirements, obtaining university approvals, advertising, admissions setup, and more.
  • Assist in the organization and teaching of courses at UZH and elsewhere for students, policymakers, and early-career researchers. The courses may vary from one-week sessions for working professionals to semester-long classes within the Economics department.
• Support other activities led by ADEPT and the Lemann Center
  • Develop new teaching materials in policy design and evaluation.
  • Provide direct support to faculty and departments at ADEPT partner universities designing new programs similar to those at UZH.
  • Contribute to research projects as they arise through the Lemann Center.
  • Other responsibilities as needed to advance the programs and work of the Lemann Center.

Approximately 80% of the postdoc's time will be dedicated to these activities, with the remaining 20% allocated for independent research projects.

Your Profile

Applicants should hold a PhD in Economics or a related field, with PhD-level coursework in economics and a keen interest in development economics, education, or public policy. We seek a passionate educator with substantial experience in educational practice and the development of new teaching materials. Strong coordination skills and a commitment to impactful, policy-relevant research are essential. We are looking for a dynamic, self-motivated individual who is eager to think creatively about global capacity building to help develop and launch these programs.

Professional working proficiency in English is required; knowledge of German is advantageous but not mandatory.

The Department of Economics provides an exciting research environment along with competitive terms and conditions. We deeply value diversity and inclusion.

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

For inquiries, please contact:

Sarah Kopper
Associate Director of Research
opper@povertyactionlab.org