The Agricultural Economics and Policy Group led by Robert Finger is looking for a doctoral (PhD) student with a background in agricultural economics for the topic of the economics and policy of climate change mitigation in Swiss agriculture. This 4-year position is funded in the project “Pathways to a Net-Zero Target for Hard-to-Abate Swiss Emissions” . 

The ACHIEVE project brings together 29 member entities and 27 collaboration partners from research, industry and the public sector, who work alongside stakeholders from civil society, politics and industry to develop net-zero strategies for Switzerland and make recommendations for a policy framework. The Agricultural Economics and Policy Group is leading a work package in ACHIEVE on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Swiss agri-food systems.

The doctoral student will focus on the economic, policy, and behavioural aspects of climate change mitigation in Swiss agriculture. You will conduct a choice experiment with farmers, analyse survey and secondary data, test the efficacy and efficiency of different policy instruments and investigate farmers' behaviour and management decisions in the context of climate change mitigation. Your work will combine data collection and data analysis with interaction with farmers and stakeholders, and economic theory. As you will be leading survey and experiment tasks with Swiss farmers, proficiency (C1) in German or French is required. You will collaborate with other doctoral students and postdocs in the project, in our, and other groups. You will be supervised by Robert Finger. Your project and doctorate are scheduled for four years. For further information about the project visit this website. For further information about our group please visit our website.

• Conduct a survey and a choice experiment
• Analyse survey and secondary data
• Interact with farmers and stakeholders
• Collaborate with other researchers in the project and in our group
• Supervise master and bachelor students
• You will complete PhD level courses helpful for your project (18 ECTS)
• This is a full-time position that starts in the last quarter (October to December) 2026
• The duration of the doctorate is scheduled and financed for your years

• Master’s degree (or close to completion) in Agricultural Economics or in a related discipline
• Strong analytical and writing skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment
• Proficiency (C1) in German or French is required

• A productive, welcoming and friendly working environment
• Opportunities to take courses at PhD level and for continuous training
• Highly supportive and personalized mentoring and guidance
• Competitive salary according to ETH standards (fully funded, full-time, fixed term position for four years), and social benefits
• An interdisciplinary, international, and diverse team of talents and a stimulating, vibrant, collaborative research group
• Strong connections with academic partners and stakeholders in the agri-food system
• Strong support for career development in either academia, industry, or administration

We look forward to receiving your application with the following documents as a single PDF:

• A cover letter
• CV
• Contact details of two referees (but no letters!)
• Transcripts of academic records

The preferred start date is in the last quarter of 2026. The deadline for applications is June 26, 2026.

Further information about our group can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Nadine Wacha, [email protected]  (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.