Doctoral Student in Development Economics

Position Overview

The Development Economics Group at ETH Zurich is seeking a doctoral student to engage in impactful research in development economics. This full-time role will commence on 1 March 2026 and is limited to four years. The successful candidate will contribute to ongoing research focused on global inequalities, public health economics, and poverty reduction.

Research Group Highlights

Our research group emphasizes empirical development economics, exploring diverse areas such as:

• Global inequalities
• Financing for development
• Public health economics
• Technologies for poverty reduction
• Evidence-informed policymaking

We are an international team of dedicated economists and data scientists collaborating with multidisciplinary partners to foster sustainable development solutions globally.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will conduct research using secondary data, which may include:

• Studying harmful narratives about public health in local radio broadcasts and investigating the impact of organizations providing reliable information to counter misinformation in Africa.
• Monitoring food insecurity measures in low- and middle-income countries.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate should possess the following qualifications:

• A Master's degree in Economics or Statistics, with proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
• A demonstrated motivation for research in development economics and global public health.
• A strong background in quantitative methods and experience with large-scale surveys or administrative data.
• Experience in low- and lower-middle-income countries and familiarity with statistical learning methods are advantageous, while proficiency in French would be an additional asset.
• A collaborative spirit, excellent communication skills, and willingness to travel globally.

Workplace Environment

ETH Zurich offers a dynamic and supportive environment that fosters professional development and societal impact. Benefits include public transport season tickets, childcare options, and a range of sports activities.

Diversity and Sustainability Commitment

ETH Zurich is committed to creating an inclusive culture that promotes equality and respects the rights and dignity of all individuals. Sustainability is integral to our mission as we strive for a climate-neutral future.

Looking Ahead

We encourage interested individuals to explore this challenging position at ETH Zurich, which is connected to significant policymaking avenues, working under the guidance of esteemed faculty members. Teaching opportunities exist but are not mandatory.