We are looking for a PhD Student in Macroeconomic Forecasting and Data Science. The position is available immediately and should be filled as soon as possible.

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 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.

• 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 and forecasting
• Develop, implement, and evaluate new forecasting and nowcasting models using econometric and machine learning methods
• Analyse large-scale macroeconomic and high-frequency datasets to improve economic forecasting
• Develop and maintain reproducible code, data pipelines, and research software

• Excellent academic results and is 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

• ETH Zurich offers internationally competitive employment conditions
• The starting date is negotiable
• The position is initially offered for 18 months, with the prospect of extension for the normal four- to five-year duration of the doctorate, subject to satisfactory progress 
• We offer the opportunity to pursue a high-quality PhD at a renowned institution and to work in a dynamic and collaborative research environment
• Gross salary will be in accordance with the regulations of ETH Zurich

A job that makes a difference: Join ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development but also actively contributes to positive change in society. You can look forward to numerous benefits, a wide range of sports activities organised by the ASVZ and childcare. 

• Health benefits: discounts on health-related services
• Access to a flexible working environment: opportunities for flexible working hours and a supportive learning environment
• Professional development: Support for training and further education initiatives to enhance employability

These benefits are designed to promote both personal and professional development whilst working at ETH Zurich.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents by 15 September 2026:

• 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

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 [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.