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 at different levels and in different functions and is committed to rigorous, applied research on policy-relevant topics with a connection to Switzerland.

KOF Research Division Business Tendency Surveys is looking for a PhD Researcher.

The Business Tendency Surveys division at KOF focuses on the design, supervision and analysis of surveys of companies on the economic situation in Switzerland. The indicators resulting from these surveys are among the most important (leading) indicators for the development of the Swiss economy. The division also conducts surveys of professional economic forecasters and academic researchers in the field of economics. In addition, the members of the division are involved in a wide range of empirical economic research.

You will be part of the Business Tendency Surveys team and will regularly analyse and comment on survey results, in particular from the retail and wholesale sectors. You will maintain the survey KOF Consensus Forecast and the KOF Economists Survey. You will cooperate with other divisions and contribute your expertise to the KOF Economic Forecast on the development of private consumption. You will develop tools for the spatial analysis of the Swiss economy.

We offer the opportunity to pursue a high-quality PhD at a renowned institution and to work in a dynamic and collaborative research environment. ETH Zurich offers internationally competitive working conditions. 

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in economics, data science, statistics, or a related field
• Interest in business surveys and surveys in general
• Interest in analysing and forecasting the cyclical development of the Swiss economy, in particular the development of private consumption
• You are motivated to develop and advance research ideas in the field of empirical economics (or related) on your own and  in a group of researchers
• Very good knowledge of the statistical software R is highly desirable. Other statistical programming languages (STATA, Matlab, Python) are an advantage
• You enjoy working with data, analysing it and producing empirical results. You are interested in the spatial analysis of the economy. Communicating the results to the public in a concise text and graphics should be part of your interest
• Excellent German language skills are required

We support the career of women in economics and we encourage female candidates to apply.

We offer the opportunity to pursue a high-quality PhD at a renowned institution and to work in a dynamic and collaborative research environment. The starting date is open and its duration will initially be 18 months with the prospect of a further extension to up to in total six years. ETH Zurich offers internationally competitive working conditions. Gross salary (Rate 2) will be in accordance with the regulations of the ETH Zürich.

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 in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• A letter of motivation with a brief description of your research interests
• A curriculum vitae
• Your Master thesis and an example of recent academic work in German and English
• Complete academic record with undergraduate and graduate courses and grades
• Copies of certificates
• Contact information for 2-3 potential referees

Please note that we only accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications submitted by email or post will not be considered.

Further information about KOF Swiss Economic Institute can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to KOF Human Resources by email hr@kof.ethz.ch (no applications). 

Please submit your application documents until 5th December 2024.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising 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 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.