The University of Zürich is inviting applications for PhD and Pre-Doctoral (Pre-Doc) positions within a research project.
This project, titled “Parents, Pressure, and Pathways: Experimental Insights on Swiss Educational Transitions,” offers opportunity for candidates interested in applied economics, education, and policy-relevant research.
Project Description
The research project will begin in August 2026 and focuses on key societal and educational challenges in Switzerland. Core research areas include:
- Educational transitions and pathways
- Student well-being and mental health
- Parental decision-making in education
- Inequality in children’s opportunities
The project applies advanced empirical methods such as:
- Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
- Survey experiments
- Administrative data analysis
The research connects real-world institutions, schools and families in Zurich, ensuring direct practical impact.
Positions Available
Flexible Hiring Culture, Candidates determine:
- Two PhD positions, or
- One PhD position and one Pre-Doctoral Research Assistant position
- Both roles are primarily research-focused, with minimal teaching responsibilities.
PhD Position
The PhD candidate will:
- Contribute to the SNSF-funded research project
- Independently develop dissertation in applied economics
- Work within a collaborative research environment
Requirements:
Strong academic background in economics or a related field
- Emphirical Reseach Interest
- Statistical software experience like:
- Stata
- R
- Python
- Strong analytical and research skills
- German language proficiency strengthen application
Pre-Doctoral Position
The Pre-Doctoral Research Assistant role is ideal for candidates seeking research experience before a PhD.
Key responsibilities :
- Data analysis and management
- Survey implementation
- Research assistance across projects
- Project coordination and administrative support
This role provides mentorship and a potential future PhD opportunity within the research team for outstanding candidates.
Research Environment
The positions are based within Business Economics (Personnel Economics and Vocational Education Economics, within the Department of Business Administration.
The research group operates at the intersection of:
- Educational economics
- Labor and personnel economics
- Applied microeconomics
Key features of the environment includes:
- Collaborative and international team
- High-quality empirical research focus
- Opportunities for impactful policy-relevant work
Application Process
Applicants must submit their materials in one single PDF file to Nicole Ehrsam. Including the following:
- A motivation letter
- CV, including German proficiency level
- Academic transcripts
- Writing sample (optional)
- Two referees
Additional Requirement:
Recommendation letters must be submitted separately by referees
Applicants should clearly indicate whether they are applying for:
- The PhD position
- The Pre-Doctoral position
- Or both
Timeline and Start Date
- Preferred Start Date: 1 August 2026 (flexible)
- Application Review Begins: 13 April 2026
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate demonstrates:
- Genuine motivation and intellectual curiosity
- Strong applied policy-relevant research interest
- Collaborative and Independent Work Ability
- Commitment to high-quality academic work
Strong emphasis on authenticity and fit rather than overly polished applications.
Why Apply?
This opportunity provides:
- Experience in cutting-edge empirical research
- Involvement in a high-impact SNSF-funded project
- Academic Mentorship Acess
- A pathway to academic and policy economics careers
- Real World Educational Challenges Engagement
Candidates will gain exposure to informed education policy and social outcomes researchs, including practical academia or applied research roles