We are looking for a PhD student in our diversity-embracing group, Food Systems Economics and Policy (FSEP), led by Prof. Eva-Marie Meemken.

You will work on the project “Sustainability standards and the “hidden middle”—Insights from cocoa cooperatives and their workers in Côte d’Ivoire.” Sustainability standards like Fairtrade aim to reduce social and environmental exploitation in global supply chains, particularly for tropical crops like cocoa. With rising consumer demand, private-sector involvement, and government support, a growing share of cocoa production is certified, with Côte d'Ivoire as the largest producer. Research has largely focused on farmers and consumers, overlooking the "hidden middle"—e.g., cooperatives and their workers—who are essential to certification processes and outcomes. This project will focus on cooperatives and their workers by expanding existing data from a previous project in Côte d’Ivoire. Cooperatives support farmers through training, services, and infrastructure, manage certification, and connect them to certified markets. Their workers play vital roles in processing, packaging, logistics, and administration. This project will contribute evidence on the implications of sustainability standards for cooperatives and their workers. The overarching objective and vision of this project is to advance the fair and equitable implementation of rapidly expanding sustainability initiatives, including voluntary standards such as Fairtrade and mandatory corporate sustainability due diligence laws.

Our project partners are the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) in Côte d'Ivoire,  as well as Wageningen University.

The project is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF).

Based on the overall project‘s objectives, you will develop a doctoral proposal, which specifies research questions, methodological approaches, courses you want to take, and a time plan. With support from the group and partners, you will plan and implement a survey to collect primary data from cooperatives and workers in Côte d’Ivoire. These quantitative survey data will be complemented with qualitative interviews with different supply chain actors. After data collection, you will analyze your data and present your findings (in the form of scientific papers, conference and seminar presentations, and non-scientific outreach activities, e.g., blog posts and workshops). The position involves several months of fieldwork in Côte d’Ivoire.

You will work in an excellent and inspiring research and learning environment, allowing you to strengthen and gain diverse skills (e.g., data analysis, presentation skills, project management), develop and implement creative ideas, and develop your professional network. You will work both independently and in collaboration with others on different tasks. The position does not involve regular teaching tasks but offers opportunities to gain experience in this area. The preferred starting date is August 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is scheduled for 4 years. Salary and social benefits are provided according to ETH Zurich rules.

You hold (or will soon hold) a MSc degree in agricultural economics, economics, or a related field. You are excited about social sustainability in food systems. You have excellent English language skills and good French skills. Additionally, you took classes in econometrics, gained practical skills in this area (e.g., data analysis for your MSc thesis), and you seek to develop your skills further. You are excited about collecting and working with data and quantitative methods. You enjoy working independently but also embrace opportunities to discuss, interact, and collaborate with others.

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 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.

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 until May 16, 2025, with the following documents:

• Letter of motivation (max. 1 page)
• CV (max. 2 pages). Please indicate which languages, other than English, you speak and at which level
• Diplomas
• Copy of your MSc thesis (or term paper if the thesis is not yet submitted)
• Summary of your MSc thesis (max. 1 page)
• 2 scientific references (and contact details) who can be contracted (no letters, please).

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Eva-Marie Meemken; [email protected] (no applications).

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.