ETH Zurich PhD Scholarship in Global Trade, Supply Chains and Climate Shocks (2026)
Scholarship Description
The ETH Zurich PhD position in Global Trade, Supply Chains and Climate Shocks offers a unique opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research at the intersection of international trade, supply chain resilience, and climate change. Hosted by the KOF Lab of ETH Zurich's KOF Swiss Economic Institute, this fully funded doctoral position is part of the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) CLIM+ – a new, interdisciplinary, Switzerland-wide climate research community involving multiple investigators at ETH Zurich and other Swiss institutions.
The research will center around assessing and promoting the resilience of supply chains by building and solving quantitative global equilibrium models of trade networks. The doctoral candidate will leverage theoretical, computational, and econometric tools to study public policy questions related to the resilience of global supply chains to climate change. The position is supervised by Professor Hans Gersbach and Dr. Kieran Walsh.
This is a 100% position for up to four years, with a salary in accordance with the PhD regulations of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). The doctoral candidate will be enrolled in the doctoral programme of D-MTEC (Department of Management, Technology, and Economics) at ETH Zurich.
Scholarship Location
The position is based at ETH Zurich in Zurich, Switzerland. The KOF Swiss Economic Institute is located at the ETH Zurich main campus in the heart of Zurich, one of the world's most liveable and innovative cities.
Scholarship Deadline
Applications must be submitted by 3 July 2026. Only applications submitted through the ETH Zurich online application portal will be considered.
Application Deadline: 3 July 2026
Preferred Start Date: August or September 2026 (negotiable)
Recommendation: Submit your application well before the deadline. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
Host Institution
ETH Zurich – one of the world's leading universities specialising in science and technology, consistently ranked among the top universities globally. The KOF Swiss Economic Institute is Switzerland's leading academic institute for applied economic research, providing independent data, facts, and timely assessments to support decision-makers in politics and business.
Level and Fields of Study
Level: PhD (Doctoral) – expected completion within four years.
Fields of study: International Trade, Supply Chain Resilience, Climate Economics, Quantitative Trade Network Models, Panel Data Econometrics, Environmental Economics, Public Policy.
The research will involve:
- Building and solving quantitative global equilibrium models of trade networks
- Estimating industry/country-level effects of weather and climate shocks using firm-level data
- Analysing public policy questions related to supply chain resilience to climate change
- Applying theoretical, computational, and econometric tools
Target Group
This position is open to highly qualified candidates from all nationalities who hold a master's degree in economics, finance, mathematics, or statistics with a strong background in economics. The ideal candidate is passionate about applied economic research at the intersection of trade and climate change.
Scholarship Duration & Amount
Duration: Up to 4 years (100% position).
Salary: In accordance with the PhD regulations of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). This provides a competitive salary with full social benefits, including pension and health insurance.
Estimated annual salary: Approximately CHF 47,000 – 55,000 (gross) for the first year, with increases in subsequent years as per SNSF guidelines.
Additional benefits:
- Full social security and pension benefits
- Paid holiday leave (5 weeks per year)
- Parental leave and family benefits under Swiss law
- Access to ETH Zurich's world-class research facilities and library resources
- Opportunity to participate in NCCR CLIM+ research discussions and events
- Membership in KOF's vibrant community of economic researchers
- Opportunity to attend numerous workshops and conferences
📊 Summary of Benefits:
Salary: CHF 47,000–55,000/year (SNSF scale)
Duration: Up to 4 years (100%)
Additional: Pension + health insurance + 5 weeks holiday + conference/travel funding
Scholarship Eligibility
Required qualifications:
- Master's degree in economics or finance. Candidates with a master's in mathematics or statistics will also be considered if they have completed some coursework in economics and are prepared to do intensive economics PhD training.
- Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or Julia (willingness to work in MATLAB is required).
- High proficiency in English (spoken and written).
Major assets (strongly preferred):
- Prior coursework in trade theory
- Prior coursework in environmental economics
- Experience with panel data econometrics
✅ Eligible Candidates
- Master's degree in Economics, Finance, Mathematics, or Statistics (with economics coursework).
- Strong quantitative and computational skills.
- Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or Julia.
- High English proficiency.
- Interest in trade, climate change, and supply chain research.
❌ Ineligible Candidates
- Without a relevant Master's degree.
- No background in economics or trade theory.
- Insufficient programming skills.
- Lack of English proficiency.
Application Procedure
- Prepare required documents – Gather the following:
- Letter of motivation – including a proposed starting date (August or September 2026 is preferred, but negotiable)
- CV – including contact information for three references (no letters are needed at this point)
- University transcripts – academic records from all post-secondary institutions
- Research sample – a chapter from your master's thesis, a research paper you wrote or coauthored, OR a research paper to which you provided substantial assistance (with a very brief explanation of your contribution)
- Submit online application – Applications must be submitted exclusively through the ETH Zurich online application portal (job reference JOPG_ethz_nHicNeceEMLPYD8dxs).
- Application deadline – Submit by 3 July 2026.
- Application review – KOF Lab reviews applications and shortlists candidates.
- Interviews – Shortlisted candidates are contacted for interviews (likely online or in-person).
- Offer – Successful candidates receive a formal offer from ETH Zurich.
Important notes:
- Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
- For questions regarding the position, contact KOF HR Services at [email protected] (no applications).
- The preferred start date is August or September 2026, but this is negotiable.
- ETH Zurich values diversity and sustainability and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background.
Official Website & Application Link
ETH Zurich – PhD Position in Global Trade, Supply Chains and Climate Shocks
KOF Swiss Economic Institute Website: https://kof.ethz.ch
ETH Zurich Website: https://ethz.ch
Questions: [email protected] (no applications)
💡 Final Thoughts and Key Requirements
The ETH Zurich PhD position in Global Trade, Supply Chains and Climate Shocks offers a truly exceptional opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research at one of the world's top universities. The position combines theoretical economics, computational modelling, and empirical analysis to address one of the most pressing policy challenges of our time: building resilient global supply chains in the face of climate change. With full funding, world-class supervision, and membership in the prestigious NCCR CLIM+ research community, successful candidates can launch a distinguished academic career.
Key strategies for a successful application:
- Highlight your master's degree in economics or finance (or mathematics/statistics with economics coursework) and any relevant research experience.
- Demonstrate strong programming skills (MATLAB, Python, or Julia) — willingness to work in MATLAB is essential.
- Emphasise any coursework or research in trade theory and environmental economics.
- Showcase experience with panel data econometrics if applicable.
- Submit a strong research sample (master's thesis chapter or coauthored paper) that demonstrates your analytical capabilities.
- Write a compelling letter of motivation explaining your research interests and why you are interested in studying supply chains and climate shocks.
- Ensure your CV includes contact information for three references.
- Submit your application well before the 3 July 2026 deadline.
Important reminders: Applications are only accepted through the ETH Zurich online portal. Do not send applications by email or post. The preferred start date is August or September 2026, but is negotiable. ETH Zurich is committed to diversity and sustainability — all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.
ETH Zurich PhD Scholarship – Global Trade, Supply Chains and Climate Shocks – FAQ
What is the duration of the PhD position?
The position is for up to four years (100% employment).
What is the salary?
The salary is in accordance with the PhD regulations of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), approximately CHF 47,000–55,000 per year gross, with full social benefits.
What qualifications are required?
A master's degree in economics, finance, mathematics, or statistics (with economics coursework), strong programming skills (MATLAB, Python, or Julia), and high proficiency in English.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 3 July 2026. Applications are only accepted through the ETH Zurich online portal.
What research topics will I work on?
You will study the propagation of weather and climate shocks in quantitative trade network models, building and solving global equilibrium models of trade networks, and using firm-level data to estimate the effects of climate shocks on supply chains.
Do I need to speak German?
No, the research is conducted in English. However, knowledge of German may be helpful for daily life in Zurich.
What documents do I need to submit?
A letter of motivation (including proposed start date), CV (with contact details for three references), university transcripts, and a research sample (master's thesis chapter or coauthored paper).