ETH Zurich PhD Student in Macroeconomic Forecasting and Data Science: Apply by 15 September 2026

Overview

ETH Zurich has a PhD Student position in Macroeconomic Forecasting and Data Science at the KOF Swiss Economic Institute in Zurich, Switzerland. The post is at 100% employment and fixed-term, available immediately, with a negotiable start date. The appointment is initially for 18 months, with the prospect of extension for the normal four to five years of a doctorate, subject to satisfactory progress. Gross salary follows ETH Zurich's salary regulations.

The student joins the Research Division for Macroeconomic Forecasting and Data Science, which analyses and forecasts the Swiss and international economies using macroeconometric models, indicators, survey data and data science methods. Responsibilities include helping prepare the international economic outlook for KOF's quarterly forecasts, writing an excellent doctoral dissertation in applied macroeconomics, developing and evaluating forecasting and nowcasting models that may combine econometrics with machine learning, analysing large-scale and high-frequency datasets, and building reproducible code, data pipelines and research software.

Requirements

Applicants need an excellent academic record and a Master's degree, completed or expected by the time of appointment, in economics, econometrics, data science, statistics or a closely related quantitative field. Strong quantitative and programming skills are needed, and an understanding of time-series econometrics and forecasting is highly relevant. Candidates lacking some of these skills but with strong interest and the capacity to learn them may be considered. Excellent verbal, written and visual communication skills are expected. A good command of German is a prerequisite, and applicants must be comfortable writing in German and English. French or Italian is an additional asset.

What you get

ETH Zurich states that it offers internationally competitive employment conditions and support for professional development in a collaborative research environment.

Key dates

The application deadline is 15 September 2026.