Postdoctoral Fellow in Development Economics / Postdoctoral Fellowess in Development Economics

The University of Zurich: Join Our Team

The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest academic institution, offers a diverse array of enticing positions across various disciplines and professional fields. With a workforce of around 10,000 employees and 12 professional apprenticeship streams, the University provides an inspiring environment focused on cutting-edge research and exceptional education. Unleash your talent and skills with us and discover what makes UZH an outstanding employer!

Your Responsibilities

Through the Lemann Center, the Department of Economics is partnering with the Alliance for Data, Evaluation, and Policy Training (ADEPT) to develop innovative graduate-level programs. These programs will combine in-person teaching with online courses from the J-PAL/MITx Data, Economics, and Design of Policy (DEDP) MicroMasters program. This position primarily focuses on leading the development and launch of these initiatives, in close collaboration 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 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 all logistical and operational requirements for launching new UZH-based programs, including regulatory navigation, university approvals, advertising, and admissions setup.
  • Assist in organizing and teach courses at UZH and other institutions for students, policymakers, and early career researchers; courses may include one-week seminars for working professionals or semester-long classes in the Economics department.
• Support 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 as they design programs similar to those at UZH.
  • Contribute to research projects as they arise through the Lemann Center.
  • Fulfill other 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, reflecting PhD-level coursework in economics, and demonstrate a strong interest in development economics, education, or public policy. We seek a passionate educator with robust experience in educational practice and curriculum development. The ideal candidate will showcase excellent coordination skills and a commitment to impactful, policy-relevant research. We are looking for a dynamic, self-motivated individual who is innovative in thinking about global capacity building to contribute to the development and launch of these programs.

Professional working proficiency in English is required. While knowledge of German is advantageous, it is not mandatory.

What We Offer

The Department of Economics presents an exciting research environment and competitive terms and conditions. We value diversity and inclusion in our workplace.

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