PhD Student in Macroeconomic Forecasting
Immigration Policy Lab
PhD Student in Macroeconomic Forecasting
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
We are looking for a PhD Student in Macroeconomic Forecasting. The position is available immediately and should be filled no later than March 2026.
KOF Swiss Economic Institute at ETH Zurich is Switzerland’s leading institute for applied economic research. The Research Division Macroeconomic Forecasting and Data Science analyses and forecasts the Swiss and international economy and produces KOF’s short- and medium-term macroeconomic outlooks using macroeconometric models, indicators and survey information. The division combines structural macroeconometric modelling with data-science methods for nowcasting, high-frequency indicators construction, machine learning, time-series econometrics and maintains the data and tools that feed the regular KOF macroeconomic forecasts.
Job description
- Participate in the preparation of the international economic outlook as part of the quarterly publication of KOF economic forecasts.
- Pursue an excellent PhD dissertation in applied macroeconomics, macroeconometrics, or economic nowcasting/forecasting — ideally on topics relevant for the Swiss and/or international economy.
- Develop and implement new forecasting and nowcasting models, and maintain reproducible code and data pipelines.
Profile
- Excellent academic results and are motivated to produce high-quality, policy-relevant research.
- Hold (or will have completed at the time of appointment) a Master’s degree in Economics, Econometrics, Data Science, Statistics, or a closely related quantitative field.
- Possess a solid knowledge of and strong interest in economics and economic policy issues.
- Have excellent quantitative and programming skills: strong knowledge of time-series econometrics, forecasting methods, or have a strong interest in acquiring those.
- Have experience or strong interest in working with large and/or real-time datasets, nowcasting, and forecasting evaluation.
- Have excellent verbal, written, and visual communication skills.
- You like to collaborate with others and have a compelling writing style in German and English.
- Good command of German is a prerequisite for this position; Knowledge of French or Italian is an asset.
Workplace
Workplace
We offer
- The starting date for this position is ideally before March 2026 and its duration will initially be 18 months with the prospect of a further extension to up to in total six years.
- We offer the opportunity to pursue a high-quality PhD at a renowned institution and to work in a dynamic and collaborative research environment.
- ETH Zurich offers internationally competitive working conditions.
- Gross salary will be in accordance with the regulations of ETH Zurich.
We value diversity and sustainability
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents by November 30th 2025:
- A letter of motivation that includes an explanation why you are interested in doing a PhD in economic forecasting
- A curriculum vitae
- Writing samples in German or English (e.g., Master thesis)
- Complete academic record with undergraduate and graduate courses and grades
- Copies of certificates
- Contact information for 2-3 potential references
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
Further information about KOF Swiss Economic Institute can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position or application procedure should be directed to our HR Services hr@kof.ethz.ch (no applications).