Postdoctoral Fellow / Postdoctoral Fellowess in Development Economics

The University of Zurich Job Opportunity

The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a wide range of attractive positions across various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently offering 12 professional apprenticeship streams, UZH provides an inspiring working environment that focuses on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us and discover more about UZH as an employer!

Your Responsibilities

Through the Lemann Center, the Department of Economics is collaborating with the Alliance for Data, Evaluation, and Policy Training (ADEPT) to establish innovative new graduate-level programs. These programs will blend in-person teaching with online courses in the J-PAL/MITx Data, Economics, and Design of Policy (DEDP) MicroMasters program. The primary focus of this position is to lead the development and launch of these programs, in close coordination with Professors Esther Duflo (MIT/UZH), Sara Fisher Ellison (MIT), Dina Pomeranz (UZH), and the ADEPT/UZH Economics teams. Additionally, you 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 to launch these new UZH-based programs, including navigating national and university regulatory requirements and obtaining necessary approvals.
  • Assist in organizing and teaching courses at UZH and other locations for students, policymakers, and early career researchers. Courses may range from one-week sessions for working professionals to semester-long classes in 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 in designing new programs similar to those at UZH.
  • Contribute to research projects as they arise through the Lemann Center.
  • Perform other responsibilities as needed to advance the programs and objectives of the Lemann Center.

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

Your Profile

The ideal candidate should hold a PhD in Economics or a related field, with advanced coursework in economics and a keen interest in development economics, education, or public policy. We seek someone passionate about teaching, equipped with substantial experience in educational practice and the development of new teaching materials. Candidates should demonstrate strong coordination skills and a commitment to impactful, policy-relevant research. A dynamic, self-motivated individual who is eager to think creatively about global capacity building will thrive in this role.

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

Additional Information

The Department of Economics offers an exciting research environment with competitive terms and conditions. We value diversity and inclusion in our community.

How to Apply

Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

For further inquiries, you may contact:

Sarah Kopper
Associate Director of Research
opper@povertyactionlab.org