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 a postdoctoral position in Applied Macroeconomics and Political Economy. The position is based at KOF and affiliated with the Chair of Applied Macroeconomics. 

The successful candidate will join a supportive and collaborative research environment that brings together empirical research and policy-relevant questions in applied macroeconomics and political economy. 

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. 

Research interests at the Chair cover a broad range of topics in empirical macroeconomics and political economy. Particular areas of interest include monetary economics and central banking, business cycles and forecasting, fiscal policy and public finance, political institutions and economic policy, and the economic consequences of globalisation. We are also interested in related questions concerning inequality, economic freedom and the broader institutional determinants of economic outcomes. We particularly welcome candidates whose research interests overlap with one or more of these areas and who are interested in developing joint research projects with Prof. Dr. Jan-Egbert Sturm and other researchers at the Chair.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will develop and pursue independent and collaborative research projects in applied macroeconomics and/or political economy. The primary focus of the position is research. 

Your activities will include: 

• Developing independent and joint research projects and producing original academic papers
• Designing and implementing empirical analyses using modern econometric methods and relevant macroeconomic and/or microeconomic data
• Presenting your research at internal seminars, academic workshops and international conferences
• Collaborating with researchers at the Chair, KOF and the wider ETH Zurich research community
• Contributing to the research activities of the Chair and KOF, including regular research meetings and seminars

Depending on your interests and the needs of the Chair, the position may also include a limited contribution to teaching activities.

We welcome applications from candidates with different academic and personal backgrounds. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualification. 

You bring: 

• A PhD in Economics, completed by the time the position begins
• A strong research record relative to your career stage, evidenced by high-quality working papers and/or publications
• A strong foundation in econometrics, statistics and quantitative analysis
• The ability and ambition to conduct high-quality independent research
• An interest in empirical research addressing relevant economic and public-policy questions
• An interest in applied macroeconomics and/or political economy
• Experience with at least one statistical programming language, such as Stata, R or Python
• The ability to communicate your ideas clearly in written and spoken English
• An interest in developing both independent and collaborative research projects and in contributing to a collegial research environment

Adavantageous: 

• Experience with panel-data methods, causal inference, time-series econometrics, the analysis of large microeconomic datasets or other modern empirical methods would be useful, but expertise across all of these areas is not required
• 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 develop your research profile 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 postdoctoral 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 further develop your own academic profile. 

ETH Zurich offers internationally competitive employment conditions. The starting date is negotiable. 

In addition, ETH Zurich offers: 

• A job that makes a difference: join ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development but also actively contributes to positive change in society
• Access to a flexible working environment, including opportunities for flexible working hours 
• Professional development opportunities, including training and further education initiatives 
• Numerous sports activities organised by ASVZ and childcare services
• Discounts on selected health-related services. 

These benefits are designed to support both personal and professional development whilst working at ETH Zurich.

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 with the following documents by 30 September 2026 at the latest:

• A letter of motivation outlining your research interests, their connection to applied macroeconomics and/or political economy, and potential areas of research overlap with the Chair
• A curriculum vitae
• A job market paper or another representative research paper 
• Copies of relevant diplomas and certificates
• Contact information for two or three potential referees (Surname and first name, company, email address, telephone number) 

Further information about Chair of Applied Macroeconomics and the KOF Swiss Economic Institute is available on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to KOF HR Services at [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.