PhD Candidate in Innovation Economics

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

KOF’s Research Division Innovation Economics is seeking a highly motivated and talented PhD candidate to join our dynamic research team. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research.

The KOF Swiss Economic Institute at ETH Zurich is the leading institute for applied economic research in Switzerland. The Division Innovation Economics conducts high-quality empirical research. We use advanced methods to collect a wide variety of (big) data and analyze them using state-of-the-art econometric and text analytic methods. The division provides the basis for evidence-based policy making in Switzerland and publishes its analyses in leading field journals. The KOF is associated with the Department of Management, Technology and Economics (D-MTEC) at ETH Zurich.

Project background

The successful candidate will examine the development of the circular economy and explore which factors can support the transition to a circular economy or how the digital transformation is affecting the economic structures and competitiveness of companies or how knowledge diffuses in networks. The specific research topic will be developed in collaboration with the candidate to ensure that it aligns with their research interests and expertise while also contributing to the broader objectives of our research group.

Job description

Potential areas of research include, but are not limited to:

• Circular Economy: Economic incentives for circular business models, policy analysis, resource efficiency, and market mechanisms supporting a circular economy.
• Digitalisation and Economics: The impact of digital technologies on productivity, drivers and barriers for the digital transformation, AI-driven market structures and potentially resulting economic inequality.
• Diffusion of knowledge within networks: Impact of public research on private innovation activities, etc.

Profile

In order to contribute to this very important topics, we are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong passion for quantitative research. This includes applying novel empirical methods (e.g., machine learning or deep learning, natural language processing (NLP), and econometrics) to uncover new insights from comprehensive datasets and exploring policy measures that drive innovation in different economic sectors.

The ideal candidate will have:

• a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in economics, data science, computer science, or a related field.
• a strong desire to conduct high-quality research.
• a clear interest in applying quantitative methods (e.g. applied econometrics, machine learning, deep learning, NLP, text mining, big data analytics, web scraping).
• very good knowledge of statistical software such as STATA or R, with additional experience in programming languages such as Python or Matlab is highly desirable.
• excellent command of English and German, both spoken and written

Workplace

We offer

The opportunity to pursue a PhD at a globally renowned institution with access to cutting-edge research facilities.

• A dynamic and collaborative research environment with internationally competitive working conditions.
• Involvement in high-impact research projects.
• The opportunity to broaden and deepen your methodological expertise in quantitative research, potentially including a variety of data analysis methods ranging from econometrics to deep learning.

We support the career of women in economics and we encourage female candidates to apply. ETH Zurich offers internationally competitive working conditions. Gross salary will be in accordance with the regulations of the ETH Zürich .

We value diversity

Curious? So are we.

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 or an example of recent academic work in English or German.
• Complete academic record with undergraduate and graduate courses including grades
• Copies of certificates
• Contact information for 2-3 potential referees

Please note that we only accept applications submitted through our online application portal (in pdf format). 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 E-Mail schreiben (no applications). Please submit your application by March 30. 2025. The position will be filled as soon as possible.

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.