Department of Economics
Pre-Doc Positions at the University of Zurich 70 %
Start of employment or as close as possbile to this date, temporary
The Economics Department, University of Zurich (Prof. Hans-Joachim Voth), has openings for full-time pre-doctoral Research Officers. The positions are for one year in the first instance, renewable. Current research topics revolve around the use of large-scale historical data to answer economic research questions, with applications in cultural economics, political economy, and economic history.
Your responsibilities
The positions are well-suited for BA or Master's program graduates who wish to gain firsthand experience in research before entering a PhD program. Applicants from outside the EU should have a minimum Master's degree. Former predocs have joined doctoral programs or research labs at Berkeley, MIT, Chicago, Harvard, Princeton, Yale, UBC, Oxford, and LSE. We are particularly interested in people with a strong quantitative background, statistical skills (STATA), experience in computer programming (Python), web scraping, text2data, AI (LLMs), and/or the use of geographical data for quantitative analysis. Curiosity and energy matter to us as much as initiative and attention to detail.
Your profile
* University degree in a relevant discipline (economics, computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics, economic history)
* Postgraduate qualifications (MA/MSc/MPhil) or a BA with an outstanding record
* Excellent research and analytical skills
* Good knowledge of STATA, ARC-GIS, Matlab, Python preferred, but not strictly necessary
What we offer
* Interesting and intellectually challenging work
* On-the-job training of research skills
* Competitive salary
* Travel opportunities
* Help and advice with PhD program placements
Place of work
The position is based in Zurich.
Start of employment
Appointments for one year in the first instance with starting date of 1st of July 2026 or as close as possible to this date and may be renewed. A willingness to stay for a second year is a plus.
For further information about our research and the Department of Economics please see: J. Voth and ECON.
Information on your application
Applications should include a CV, a cover letter, and names of two referees. Please apply through the button below.
What we offer
Work-Life Balance
* Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
* Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH
Learning and Development
* Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
* Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich
Food
* Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
* Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution
Healthcare
* Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
* Free seasonal flu vaccinations
* Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower
Discounts
* Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
* Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
* Special conditions on hotel reservations
Conditions of Employment
* Policies of the UZH
* Most UZH staff are employed according to public law
International Services
* Support for people from outside Switzerland
Campuses
* Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
* Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg
Location
Department of Economics
Schönberggasse 1, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Further information
Questions about the job
Daniel Göttlich
Working at UZH
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer