Postdoctoral Position in the Sustainability Economics Group

80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Sustainability Economics Group, led by Prof. Dr. Moritz Drupp, seeks to inform and support the transition to sustainable futures. We investigate how society can manage natural and human-made resources not only efficiently but also equitably. Research foci in the group include (i) studying the efficacy and distributional effects of environmental policies, (ii) exploring concepts of intergenerational justice, such as applied to estimating the social cost of carbon, (iii) analysing preferences and sustainability-relevant behaviours, and (iv) accounting for the limited substitutability of nature when measuring and managing sustainable development. We draw on a diversity of methods (theory, modelling, surveys, experiments, quasi-experimental designs), often in international, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary cooperation, and publish our work in general economics journals (e.g. American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, Journal of Economic Literature), field journals (e.g. JEEM), and interdisciplinary journals (e.g. Nature Climate Change, PNAS, Science). With our teaching, we seek to stir students’ enthusiasm for the possibilities in which economic theories and empirical methods can help to better understand and manage sustainability challenges. We furthermore actively contribute to the societal debate and help to improve public policy.

Job description

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to strengthen our Sustainability Economics Group. You are passionate about developing innovative research projects and to share your expertise with students, decision-makers and society. While your main focus lies on independent and collaborative research, you are also excited to make a contribution to the teaching, service and outreach activities of the Sustainability Economics Group. The starting date is flexible, ideally in Summer/Autumn 2025.

Profile

You have a PhD (or are close to completion) in Environmental and Resource Economics, or related fields, and have a keen interest in better understanding and managing sustainability challenges. You have strong analytical and communication skills and excellent methodological expertise in one or more of the following areas: econometric analysis of observational data, surveys and economic experiments, applied theory, or integrated environmental-economic modelling. In line with ETH principles, you seek to drive innovation, act responsibly, live inclusively, nurture well-being, build bridges and enable people to support the transition to sustainable futures.

Workplace

Workplace

We offer

We offer a full-time position in a dynamic and exciting working environment that will help you build a strong research portfolio, develop your professional skills, and support your career development towards a tenure-track or permanent professorship. Besides the Sustainability Economics Group, which will build up from April 2025 onwards, ETH Zurich is also home to a number of related research groups, such an on Energy, Climate, and Agricultural Economics, Sustainability and Technology as well as Climate, Energy and Environmental Policy, and ample potential for interdisciplinary research beyond. ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. Benefits and salary (currently >$100,000 per year) are very competitive, in line with ETH standards. The contract is initially for 1 year, but it is expected to be renewed for multiple years.

We value diversity

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.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application including:

• a letter of motivation
• CV
• diplomas
• PDFs of two representative papers (published or drafts)
• contact details of 2 referees

Please do not send letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendations and interviews may be requested for a limited number of short-listed applicants. Please also note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Questions should be directed to Prof. Dr. Moritz Drupp (Email, Homepage).

The deadline for applications is 20.01.2025. Appointment is subject to the applicant being approved for the appropriate visa by immigration authorities.