Student Assistant in Macroeconomic Forecasting and Data Science / Student Assistantess in Macroeconomic Forecasting and Data Science

Student Assistant in Macroeconomic Forecasting and Data Science

20%-30%, Zurich, fixed-term

The KOF Swiss Economic Institute at ETH Zurich is the leading institute for applied research in economics in Switzerland.

KOF has a strong collaborative environment that promotes exchange between research and administrative staff across different levels and functions. We are committed to rigorous, applied research on policy-relevant topics with a connection to Switzerland.

Project Background

For the KOF Research Division Macroeconomic Forecasting and Data Science, we are seeking a student assistant to support a research project on macroeconomic reanalysis data and machine-learning-based economic forecasting. The position is available as soon as possible for an initial duration of six months.

The project aims to build a harmonized macroeconomic reanalysis dataset that combines international, national, and sub-national macroeconomic indicators, preserves real-time data vintages, documents publication lags and revisions, and creates a reproducible data backbone for modern forecasting methods.

Job Description

We are looking for individuals with a strong interest in applied macroeconomics, economic forecasting, data science, and empirical research. The main task will be to support the collection, cleaning, harmonization, and documentation of macroeconomic data. Depending on skills and interests, the position may also involve contributing to the construction of the reanalysis dataset, reproducible data pipelines, descriptive analysis, and forecasting-related tasks.

Prior experience in handling and analyzing data using statistical software packages such as R, Python, and/or Matlab is desired. A strong interest and drive in developing these skills is expected.

Your Tasks May Include:

• Collecting macroeconomic data from public statistical offices, central banks, international organizations, and data providers such as Macrobond.
• Research on the availability of real-time data vintages, release calendars, publication lags, variable definitions, and data revisions.
• Cleaning, harmonizing, transforming, and documenting macroeconomic time series across countries, sectors, regions, and frequencies.
• Supporting the creation of a reproducible macroeconomic reanalysis dataset, including metadata, transformation codes, and versioning routines.
• Building and maintaining data acquisition routines, including APIs, web scraping, and automated downloads where feasible.
• Conducting descriptive analysis and consistency checks of macroeconomic indicators.
• Supporting the preparation of datasets for forecasting models, including dynamic factor models, BVARs, and machine-learning-based approaches.

Profile

You must be enrolled at a Swiss University and willing to work between 1 to 2 days per week (15h). At KOF, working time is typically handled very flexibly, allowing you to study for exams or fulfill other obligations while coordinating with the research staff at KOF when tasks need to be completed.

We Offer

A job that makes a difference: Join ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development but also actively contributes to positive change in society. You can look forward to numerous benefits, including:

• Health benefits: Discounts on health-related services and access to wellness programs.
• A flexible working environment: Opportunities for flexible working hours and a supportive learning atmosphere.
• Professional development: Support for training and further education initiatives to enhance employability.

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 our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us - we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We!

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

About ETH Zürich

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 the 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 and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.