Postdoctoral Fellow in Development Economics / Postdoctoral Fellowess in Development Economics

Join the University of Zurich

The University of Zurich, the largest university in Switzerland, offers a variety of attractive positions across numerous subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and 12 professional apprenticeship streams, UZH provides an inspiring working environment centered around cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!

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 integrate in-person teaching with online courses from the J-PAL/MITx Data, Economics, and Design of Policy (DEDP) MicroMasters program. This role focuses on leading the development and launch of these programs in close coordination with esteemed 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 both regionally and beyond.

Responsibilities may include:

• 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 necessary to launch the new UZH-based programs, including navigating regulatory requirements, obtaining university approvals, and managing advertising and admissions setup.
  • Assist in organizing and teaching courses at UZH and beyond for students, policymakers, and early career researchers. Courses may range from one-week seminars to semester-long classes in the Economics department.
• Support other activities led by ADEPT and the Lemann Center:
  • Develop new teaching materials focused on policy design and evaluation.
  • Provide direct support to faculty and departments at ADEPT partner universities in designing similar programs.
  • Contribute to research projects as they arise through the Lemann Center.
  • Fulfill additional responsibilities as needed to advance the programs and initiatives 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 possess a PhD in Economics or a related field, complemented by PhD-level coursework in economics and an interest in development economics, education, or public policy. We seek an individual with a passion for teaching and solid experience in educational practice, particularly in developing 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 enthusiastic about creatively addressing 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.

Application Process

To apply, please use the online form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Contact Information

For further inquiries, please contact:

Sarah Kopper
Associate Director of Research
Email: opper@povertyactionlab.org