Research Assistant in Quantitative Social Science / Research Assistantess in Quantitative Social Science

Research Assistant in Quantitative Social Science

10%-30%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Immigration Policy Lab, in partnership with the Swiss Economic Institute (KOF), is seeking a skilled Research Assistant in Quantitative Social Science. This position is a fixed-term contract for 6 months, commencing on February 1st or at a mutually agreed date.

Project Background

Our lab is dedicated to evaluating policies and designing scalable solutions that enhance the lives of immigrants while strengthening host communities. You will contribute to a quantitative research project that plays a vital role in this mission. The project leverages extensive click data from an online job platform and various administrative data sources to analyze hiring discrimination faced by ethnic and immigrant minorities in Switzerland.

Job Description

• Your primary responsibility will be to support the project through various tasks.
• Tasks include data cleaning and processing, visualization, and preliminary statistical analyses.
• You may also assist the team with additional tasks, such as annotating texts, conducting literature searches, and more.

Profile

• Currently enrolled in a master's program at a Swiss university or ETH, with a focus on data science or statistical methods (data science, computer science, economics, social sciences, etc.).
• Strong programming skills in R; knowledge of Git, Stata, and/or Python is advantageous.
• Proficient in data cleaning and management, with experience handling complex datasets.
• Exhibit a reliable, structured, and precise working style.
• Possess strong communication skills related to technical issues and data analysis.
• Comfortable in formulating questions and proactively seeking guidance when necessary.
• Curious, self-motivated, and take ownership of tasks.
• Fluency in English and/or German, both spoken and written.

Workplace

Join a vibrant, collaborative environment at ETH Zurich where you will work closely with the project team at IPL and KOF, gaining hands-on experience that aims to produce tangible social impact for immigrants.

We Offer

• Opportunity to work on an empirical research project with significant social impact.
• A highly collaborative work environment.
• Professional supervision from experienced researchers to support your career development in data science, applied econometrics, or quantitative social sciences.
• Compensation and pension benefits in accordance with ETH regulations.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

At ETH Zurich, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity and values diversity. We nurture an environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. We also prioritize sustainability, continuously striving for a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

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

For further information about the position, please contact Kristina Schüpbach at schuepbach@kof.ethz.ch (Subject: Research Assistant). To learn more about the Immigration Policy Lab and the public policy group, please visit our respective websites.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is a leading global university specializing in science and technology, celebrated for its exceptional education, groundbreaking research, and seamless transfer of knowledge into society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university fosters independent thinking and creates an inspiring environment that encourages excellence. Situated in the heart of Europe and building connections worldwide, we collaborate to develop solutions to the global challenges of today and tomorrow.