Student Assistant / Student Assistant

Student Assistant at KOF Swiss Economic Institute

10%-30%, Zurich, fixed-term

The KOF Swiss Economic Institute at ETH Zurich is the leading institute for applied research in economics in Switzerland. With a strong collaborative environment, KOF promotes the exchange between research and administrative staff across various levels and functions, committing itself to rigorous, applied research on policy-relevant topics connected to Switzerland.

The Research Division for Innovation Economics is currently seeking a student research assistant to support the project in Supply Chain Mapping as part of the SWEET: RECIPE project, which examines the resilience of the Swiss energy system. Support is needed from April 2026 through Fall 2026.

Project Background

Supply chain disruptions pose systemic risks to critical infrastructure when they hinder the maintenance, repair, or replacement of essential components. These risks are particularly concerning when complex intermediate goods or critical raw materials are sourced from a limited number of firms or countries. Dependencies within higher tiers of global value chains can amplify vulnerabilities and may remain opaque to operators and regulators.

This project aims to identify and analyze hidden supply chain dependencies in critical components of the Swiss electricity grid, assessing Switzerland's exposure to external production shocks that could compromise grid reliability and energy security.

Our methodology involves two steps. First, we utilize AI-based document analysis to create detailed bills of materials (BOMs) for selected critical grid components (e.g., transformers, switchgear, control systems). Second, we employ firm-level product classification methods developed at KOF to infer firms' product portfolios from website content and identify manufacturers of relevant intermediate inputs globally.

By linking component-level input requirements to firm-level production capabilities worldwide, we can map concentration risks across firms and countries. This analysis will uncover potential bottlenecks, single points of failure, and geographically concentrated dependencies that may not be evident in conventional trade statistics. Our approach is designed to be highly scalable and could be expanded to other domains, providing a data-driven foundation for assessing supply chain resilience in the Swiss electricity system and aiding policymakers in crafting targeted mitigation strategies.

Job Description

We seek candidates with a strong interest in research and a background in Economics, Engineering, Data Science, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. Prior experience in data handling and analysis is advantageous, and a strong motivation to further develop these skills is essential. The primary working language for this project is English.

Your role will involve supporting tasks such as:

• Assisting in AI-supported generation and validation of BOMs
• Finding and collecting potential data sources (industry reports, technical descriptions, etc.)
• Extracting firm information from business databases
• Producing descriptive statistics of the results

Profile

• Proficiency in Python
• Availability for approximately 6 months (minimum)
• Fluency in English
• You must be enrolled at a Swiss University and willing to work between 1 to 2 days per week (15 hours)
• At KOF, we typically offer flexible working hours, allowing you to study for exams or fulfill other obligations while coordinating with research staff for task completion.

Workplace

Join us at KOF Swiss Economic Institute, located within ETH Zurich, known for its commitment to research excellence.

We Offer

• Engage in impactful work: Be part of ETH Zurich, which supports your professional development and contributes to positive societal change.
• Direct involvement in AI-driven research: Gain hands-on experience applying state-of-the-art AI methods in an academic research project with real-world policy relevance.
• Enjoy numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car-sharing opportunities, a wide range of sports offered by ASVZ, childcare services, and attractive pension benefits.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In alignment 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 learn how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and excel. Sustainability remains a core value for us as we consistently work towards 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 KOF Swiss Economic Institute, please visit our website. Questions regarding the position (not applications) should be directed to KOF HR at hr@kof.ethz.ch.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich ranks among the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge research, and transferring knowledge into society, more than 30,000 people from over 120 countries call our institution a place of inspiration, fostering independent thinking and excellence. Situated in the heart of Europe, we forge connections globally to develop solutions for today's and tomorrow's challenges.