The groups of Prof. Stefan Bechtold at the Center for Law & Economics at ETH Zurich and Prof. Christian Peukert at the Digital Markets Lab at HEC Lausanne conduct a multi-year project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation on the regulation of digital markets. For this project, we are soliciting applications for a postdoc.

In this empirical project, we combine the perspectives of management, economics, law, and computer science to study how regulatory frameworks in digital markets are enforced and how firms respond to such regulation. We are interested in policy questions of data, privacy, competition, intellectual property, content moderation, AI governance and related fields. We develop new tools for measuring regulatory effectiveness in the digital economy, focusing on key issues such as how platforms collect and use personal data, how firms lobby for favorable regulations, and what effect privacy laws in different regions have. We also analyze the influence of regulations on online competition and content diversity, studying how antitrust laws and copyright enforcement shape market dynamics.

As a postdoc in this project, you conduct empirical research in the areas mentioned above, both as a lead author and collaborator. You will be able to pursue your research agenda in a very research-focused environment at leading research universities, with limited teaching or organizational obligations. We offer a truly interdisciplinary environment at the intersection of economics, law, management science, computer science, and law. We provide close supervision, guidance, time and resources for you to develop as a new scholar in the field.

• You have a PhD in economics, computer science, management science, law or a related field
• You are excited to join an international and interdisciplinary group that spans many topics and fields
• You feel that your enthusiasm, skills, and creativity provide you with a sound basis to start an academic career

This position will lead to either an employment at ETH Zurich (primary workplace in Zurich) or at HEC Lausanne (primary workplace in Lausanne). We offer a truly interdisciplinary working environment with a long-standing collaboration between ETH Zurich and HEC Lausanne. We maintain close contact with leading scholars in our fields across the globe, including at top U.S. institutions. Throughout the year, we organize various seminar series and conferences. These events create rich opportunities for you to meet and exchange ideas with discourse-shaping researchers in your field . Our broad network opens attractive career prospects. We offer an internationally competitive salary and comprehensive benefits. In addition, we provide support for attending multinational conferences and workshops as well as research stays abroad. We envision a starting date in the summer or fall of 2025, but are flexible. The intitial employment runs for two years, with the possibility of extensions.

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.

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

• a cover letter (2 pages max)
• your CV
• your university transcript with grades
• short description of your research interests (3 pages max)
• list of 2-3 references

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

We will review applications on a rolling basis. Please submit your application at your earliest convenience, but not later than January 15, 2025.

Do you have questions? Please reach out to Prof. Stefan Bechtold (sbechtold@ethz.ch) or Prof. Christian Peukert (christian.peukert@unil.ch).

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.