100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Public Policy Group and the Immigration Policy Lab at ETH Zurich invite applications for a PhD candidate position starting in September 2026 or on a mutually agreed date. You will be part of a collaborative and interdisciplinary research team studying migration and public policy with quantitative social science methods. Your PhD project sits at the nexus of migration research and climate extremes and is embedded in the NCCR CLIM+ research program on Climate Extremes and Society , a major research initiative that brings together researchers across disciplines and Swiss institutions to study climate extremes and strengthen societal resilience. Building on the Immigration Policy Lab’s expertise in migration, your research will extend our agenda into this new area by examining how climate-related shocks may affect mobility across and within borders.

Job description

We are looking for a PhD candidate to contribute to our research program on climate extremes and migration.

• The project aims to provide causal evidence on whether and how climate extremes influence migration, an area where existing evidence remains limited
• One core component of the position will involve combining global migration data with high-resolution climate-extremes data and credible identification strategies to examine how environmental shocks influence different forms of migration, including asylum seeking, refugee movements, and labor migration
• Beyond this project, you will have flexibility to independently develop additional research topics aligned with the mission of IPL and the NCCR CLIM+
• The position is located in the team of Dominik Hangartner at ETH Zurich, with opportunities to collaborate with affiliated researchers across the NCCR CLIM+ program
• In addition to research, you will have small administrative and teaching responsibilities amounting to 10% of your time

Profile

Strong candidates will have most of the following:

• Master’s degree in a social science program with a preference for Political Science, Economics, Sociology, Data Science, Computational Social Science, or in a closely related discipline
• Strong quantitative training and knowledge of statistical methods for causal inference from observational data
• Strong command of a statistical programming language (preferably R), and ability to use modern coding tools effectively
• Experience with geospatial data
• Experience or interest in studying migration, forced displacement, asylum processes, climate change, climate impacts, and related topics
• Ability to collaborate effectively with project team members
• Interest in transdisciplinary collaboration across the social and natural science
• Proficiency and excellent writing skills in English
• Experience of or interest in translating basic research into policy-relevant insights

Workplace

We offer

• Highly collaborative work environment within a very motivated and supportive team
• Opportunity to develop a network with academics and practitioners
• Career mentoring by experienced researchers
• Salary and pension benefits according to ETH standards
• Research and travel allowance

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity and sustainability

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 .

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Cover letter
• CV
• Academic transcripts
• A writing sample (e.g. Masters thesis)
• Two confidential letters of recommendation should be sent directly to selina.kurer@ gess.ethz.ch (Subject: Letter of Recommendation PhD Clim+)

Further information about Public Policy Group and the Immigration Policy Lab can be found on the respective websites: Public Policy Group and Immigration Policy Labour . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Philip Grech , (philip.grech@ gess.ethz.ch ) (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. The review of the applications will begin on June 1, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

Apply online now

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.