The Chair of Applied Macroeconomics is associated with the KOF Swiss Economic Institute at ETH Zurich and is part of the Department of Management, Technology and Economics (D-MTEC). We invite applications for one or more PhD positions in Applied Macroeconomics and Political Economy. The positions are based at KOF and affiliated with the Chair of Applied Macroeconomics. 

The doctoral researchers will join a supportive and collaborative research environment that brings together empirical research and policy-relevant questions in macroeconomics, international economics, public finance and political economy. 

One of the positions is particularly well suited to applicants interested in taxation in a globalized economy. Relevant topics include multinational profit shifting, tax havens, the labour-market effects of tax competition, the design and political economy of international tax rules, and the macroeconomic and distributional consequences of international taxation.

Research at the Chair focuses on the empirical analysis of macroeconomic and policy-relevant questions. We work with macroeconomic, microeconomic, firm-level, household, geospatial and international datasets and apply modern econometric methods, including panel-data, time-series and causal-inference approaches. 

Potential dissertation projects may explore: 

• how globalization and international policy competition shape fiscal and macroeconomic outcomes 
• how multinational firms respond to corporate tax incentives and regulation
• how political institutions, information, economic freedom and electoral incentives influence economic policy 
• how firm- and household-level data can contribute to our understanding of business cycles, forecasting, monetary policy, migration and corruption
• other policy-relevant questions in applied macroeconomics and political economy 

The dissertation topic will be developed jointly with the supervisory team. We aim to identify a project that connects with the doctoral researcher’s interests, experience and areas in which they would like to develop further expertise. 

As a doctoral researcher, you will develop a dissertation in applied macroeconomics, public finance and/or political economy. With support and guidance from the supervisory team, you will progressively take ownership of your research projects and use econometric methods and relevant macroeconomic and/or microeconomic data to address questions of academic and policy relevance. 

Your activities will include: 

• developing research questions and research designs and contributing to original academic papers
• collecting, documenting and analysing datasets, which may include firm-level, country-level, geospatial, administrative, survey or text data 
• discussing and presenting your research at internal seminars, academic workshops and international conferences 
• taking part in the research activities of the Chair and KOF, including regular research meetings and seminars 
• completing coursework within the D-MTEC doctoral programme
• depending on your interests and the needs of the Chair, contributing to teaching activities in a limited capacity

The PhD will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Jan-Egbert Sturm and, depending on the research topic, Dr. Enea Baselgia. The position is intended to lead to a doctoral degree from ETH Zurich. 

We welcome applications from candidates with different academic and personal backgrounds. We encourage you to apply even if your experience does not cover every preferred area listed below. 

You bring: 

• a Master’s degree in Economics or a closely related field, completed by the time the position begins 
• an interest in empirical research addressing relevant economic and public-policy questions 
• an interest in applied macroeconomics, international economics, public finance and/or political economy 
• a sound foundation in econometrics, statistics and quantitative analysis 
• experience with at least one statistical programming language, such as Stata, R or Python, and an openness to learning additional tools
• the ability to communicate your ideas clearly in written and spoken English 
• an interest in contributing to a collaborative research environment while developing your ability to plan and conduct your own research

Applicants with a quantitative background in statistics, data science, political science, public policy or finance are also welcome, provided that they have sufficient training in economics. 

Depending on the position and proposed research area, the following experience or interests would be useful

• panel-data methods, causal inference, time-series econometrics or the analysis of large microeconomic datasets
• international taxation, tax competition, tax havens, fiscal federalism or the political economy of tax policy
• an interest in developing a research-oriented career within or outside academia 
• knowledge of German is welcome but not required

We value a research culture in which people share ideas, learn from one another and treat each other with respect. We are committed to increasing diversity in economics and to supporting the careers of women and people from groups that remain underrepresented in the discipline. We particularly encourage members of these groups to apply. 

We offer the opportunity to pursue a PhD at ETH Zurich and the KOF Swiss Economic Institute in an engaging and collaborative research environment. KOF is Switzerland’s leading academic institute for applied economic research and provides independent data, analysis and assessments for politics, business and society. 

As a doctoral researcher at KOF, you will become part of a broad community of economic researchers. You will be able to exchange ideas with colleagues working across different areas of economics and participate in seminars, workshops and conferences in Zurich and beyond. You will also have opportunities to engage with international visitors, present your research and gradually develop your own academic profile. 

ETH Zurich offers internationally competitive employment conditions. The starting date is negotiable. The position is initially offered for 18 months, with the prospect of extension for the normal four- to five-year duration of the doctorate, subject to satisfactory progress. The gross salary will be determined according to ETH Zurich regulations.

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. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

We look forward to receiving your online application. Please include the following documents: 

• a letter of motivation outlining your research interests and their connection to applied macroeconomics, political economy and/or international taxation
• a curriculum vitae without a photograph
• a writing sample, such as your Master’s thesis, a thesis chapter, a term paper or another academic research paper
• a complete academic record listing undergraduate and graduate courses and grades
• copies of relevant diplomas and certificates
• contact information for two or three potential referees

Applications must be submitted through our online application portal by 30 September 2026 at the latest. 

Further information about the Chair of Applied Macroeconomics and the KOF Swiss Economic Institute can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to KOF HR Services, [email protected](no applications).

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

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.