Postdoc Position: Political Economy of Low-Carbon Technologies
Location and Employment Details
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
About the Political Economy of Technology Group
ETH Zurich's new Political Economy of Technology (PET) group at the Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences, led by Prof. Dr. Lukas Fesenfeld, is seeking a postdoc to join its research team. The group focuses on the political economy of low-carbon technologies (LCTs) and climate policy. The PET group adopts an interdisciplinary, mixed-method approach grounded in political economy and public policy research to explore the political, economic, and social dimensions of technological change, particularly at the intersection of technology, politics, and policy.
Project Background
This position is part of the ERC Starting Grant project -The Politicization of Low-Carbon Technologies (PolTech)-, funded by the European Research Council. The PolTech project aims to explore the drivers and impacts of technology politicization, specifically studying the interaction between technology and politics in the context of various LCTs, such as solar PV, wind turbines, electric vehicles, heat pumps, and more. These technologies are crucial for achieving global climate change mitigation targets, but their adoption is often influenced by intense politicization. The project investigates how different levels of LCT politicization impact technology adoption, industrial development, policy design, and socio-technical and political feedback effects.
The project is embedded within ETH Zurich's new Einstein School of Public Policy, providing excellent opportunities for collaboration with leading scholars at ETH Zurich, EPFL, Technical University of Munich, Stanford University, and policymakers in Switzerland, the EU, and other OECD countries.
Job Description
- The postdoc will have the opportunity to develop an innovative research agenda in the field of political economy, climate policy, and technology politics, utilizing methods such as:
- Econometrics, field and survey experiments, and quasi-experimental causal inference methods
- Natural language processing (NLP)
- Comparative case studies
- As part of the ERC Starting Grant, the postdoc will have the opportunity to assess:
- The drivers of low-carbon technology (LCT) politicization, employing NLP-based analyses of media and parliamentary speeches to develop a new LCT politicization index
- The impacts of LCT politicization on policy and socio-technical change, exploring how LCT politicization across different technologies and institutional contexts affects policy design, technology deployment, industry development, and voting behaviors through experimental and mixed-method approaches
- Engagement with the ETH Einstein School of Public Policy, providing opportunities to create policy-relevant insights for decision-makers on managing political risks and opportunities associated with various LCTs and climate policies.
Profile
- PhD (or nearing completion) in political science, public policy, political economy, economics, sociology, computational social sciences, or a related field.
- Strong knowledge of advanced quantitative methods essential (e.g., econometrics, causal inference methods such as experiments and quasi-experiments).
- Experience with natural language processing (NLP) and comparative qualitative case studies is a plus.
- Interest in climate policy, low-carbon technologies, and sustainability transitions.
- Highly motivated to conduct scientifically rigorous work that is relevant to both academic audiences and policymakers.
- Fluency in English is required; experience in interdisciplinary and international collaborations is an advantage.
Workplace Environment
The Political Economy of Technology group at ETH Zurich offers a dynamic and collaborative research environment with ample opportunities for academic growth.
We Offer
- The postdoc will have the opportunity to:
- Develop and contribute to a novel research agenda
- Lead and collaborate on publications in high-impact political science and interdisciplinary journals
- Advise master's and doctoral students
- Participate in international conferences
- Benefits from ETH Zurich's strong interdisciplinary and global network, including:
- The Albert Einstein School of Public Policy
- The ETH Energy Science Center and ETH's World Food System Center
- The Center for Comparative and International Studies, a joint initiative between ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich
- Start date: negotiable, with a preferred start in Q2 2026.
- Duration & location: the position is initially for three years, based in Zurich, Switzerland, with centrally located offices.
- Compensation & development: the salary is internationally competitive, and the position offers excellent career development opportunities, including:
- Training opportunities (e.g., transferable skills, methods training, teaching support)
- Career development support, including academic profiling and grant applications
- Access to support programs and networks, including mentoring and interdisciplinary connections
- A collaborative team culture with regular retreats and strong support for high-quality research
- An excellent working environment in an international, research-focused setting
- A strong commitment to diversity and inclusion
We Value Diversity and Sustainability
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 where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment for everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value; we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.
Curious? So Are We!
We look forward to receiving your online application, which should include:
- A letter of motivation
- Your CV
- Contact information for two references (no recommendation letters required at this stage)
- Your university diplomas or transcripts
- A sample of your written work (a paper or a chapter from your doctoral dissertation)
The position is open to all nationals, and an existing work permit for Switzerland is not required at the time of application. Apply online using the form below. Applications matching the job profile will be considered. The review of applications will begin on February 16, 2026, and the position will remain open until filled.
Please direct any open questions not yet answered by this job description to Prof. Dr. Lukas Fesenfeld by email at lukas.fesenfeld@gess.ethz.ch (please no applications).
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 direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking in an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe yet forging connections worldwide, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.