ETH Zurich PhD Student in Macroeconomic Forecasting and Data Science: Apply by 15 September 2026

ETH Zurich is inviting qualified candidates to apply for a PhD Student position in Macroeconomic Forecasting and Data Science at the KOF Swiss Economic Institute in Zurich, Switzerland. The full-time position offers an opportunity for a highly motivated graduate with a strong background in economics, econometrics, data science, statistics or another closely related quantitative discipline to pursue doctoral research while contributing to internationally relevant economic forecasting activities.

The position is offered at 100% employment on a fixed-term basis and is available immediately, with ETH Zurich indicating that the successful candidate should ideally be able to take up the position as soon as possible.

The application deadline is 15 September 2026.

About the ETH Zurich PhD Position

The position is based at the KOF Swiss Economic Institute at ETH Zurich, one of Switzerland’s leading centres for applied economic research. The successful candidate will join the Research Division for Macroeconomic Forecasting and Data Science, a research environment that combines traditional macroeconomic analysis with modern data science and computational approaches.

The division focuses on analysing and forecasting both the Swiss and international economies. Its work contributes to KOF’s short- and medium-term economic outlooks through the use of macroeconometric models, economic indicators, survey information, and increasingly sophisticated data science techniques.

The research environment brings together several important areas, including:

• Macroeconomic modelling
• Macroeconometrics
• Economic forecasting
• Economic nowcasting
• Time-series econometrics
• Machine learning
• High-frequency economic indicators
• Large-scale economic datasets
• Forecasting evaluation
• Data pipelines and research software

This makes the position particularly relevant for graduates who want to develop advanced expertise at the intersection of economics, econometrics, data science, and policy-oriented research.

Key Responsibilities

The successful PhD student will undertake doctoral research while participating in the activities of the Macroeconomic Forecasting and Data Science research division.

1. Contribute to international economic forecasting

One of the core responsibilities will be participation in the preparation of the international economic outlook as part of KOF’s quarterly economic forecasting publications.

This will provide the successful candidate with an opportunity to work on real-world economic analysis and contribute to research that informs understanding of international economic developments.

2. Pursue a high-quality Ph.D.

The position is designed around the completion of an excellent doctoral dissertation in an area such as:

• Applied macroeconomics
• Macroeconometrics
• Economic nowcasting
• Economic forecasting

The PhD component means that the successful candidate will be expected to undertake rigorous academic research while developing work capable of making a meaningful contribution to the field.

3. Develop forecasting and nowcasting models

The candidate will be involved in developing, implementing, and evaluating new models for economic forecasting and nowcasting.

This work may involve combining established econometric approaches with modern machine-learning techniques to improve the ability to analyse economic developments and generate forecasts.

4. Work with large-scale economic datasets

The position involves analysing large-scale and high-frequency datasets with the objective of improving economic forecasting.

Applicants interested in working with complex, real-time, and high-volume economic data will therefore find the position particularly relevant.

5. Develop reproducible research systems

The successful candidate will also be expected to develop and maintain:

• Reproducible code
• Data pipelines
• Research software
• Analytical workflows

This requirement highlights the importance of strong programming and data-management skills alongside traditional economic research capabilities.

Required Academic Background

Applicants should have an excellent academic record and must hold, or be expected to have completed by the time of appointment, a Master’s degree in one of the following areas:

• Economics
• Econometrics
• Data Science
• Statistics
• A closely related quantitative discipline

The position is therefore particularly suited to candidates whose postgraduate education has given them a strong foundation in quantitative analysis and research.

Academic excellence is an important part of the selection criteria, as the successful candidate will be expected to undertake demanding doctoral research while contributing to KOF’s applied economic research activities.

Technical and Research Skills

Candidates should demonstrate strong quantitative and programming capabilities.

A strong understanding of time-series econometrics and forecasting methods is highly relevant. Applicants who do not possess all of these skills but have a strong interest and demonstrated capacity to acquire them may also be considered, according to the stated profile.

Experience or a strong interest in the following areas will be valuable:

• Large-scale datasets
• Real-time economic data
• Nowcasting
• Forecasting
• Forecasting evaluation
• Time-series analysis
• Econometric modelling
• Machine learning
• Economic data analysis
• Research programming

The role therefore combines academic economics with practical computational and data-science applications.

Communication and Language Requirements

Communication skills are another important component of the position.

Candidates are expected to have excellent

• Verbal communication skills
• Written communication skills
• Visual communication skills
• Academic and research writing abilities

The position specifically requires applicants to be comfortable writing in German and English.

Importantly, good command of German is a prerequisite for the position. Applicants should therefore carefully assess their German-language proficiency before applying.

Knowledge of French or Italian is considered an additional asset but is not listed as a mandatory requirement.

Employment Terms and PhD Duration

The position is offered at 100% employment in Zurich and is initially fixed-term.

ETH Zurich states that the appointment will initially be for 18 months, with the prospect of extension for the normal four- to five-year duration of the doctorate, subject to satisfactory progress.

The starting date is negotiable, although the position is available immediately and the institution would like it to be filled as soon as possible.

The gross salary will be determined in accordance with the applicable ETH Zurich salary regulations.

What ETH Zurich Offers

The position provides an opportunity to pursue doctoral research at a globally recognised scientific and technological university while working within a dynamic and collaborative research environment.

ETH Zurich states that it offers internationally competitive employment conditions and support for professional development.

The broader employment environment includes opportunities such as

• Professional and personal development support
• Training and further education opportunities
• A flexible working environment
• A supportive learning environment
• Health-related service discounts
• Sports activities through the university’s sports association
• Childcare support

These provisions are designed to support employees not only in their academic and professional development but also in maintaining a supportive working environment.

Research Environment at KOF Swiss Economic Institute

The KOF Swiss Economic Institute is the research institution within ETH Zurich where the successful candidate will be based.

Its Macroeconomic Forecasting and Data Science division brings together economic research and computational techniques to understand economic developments and produce forecasts.

The division’s work is particularly relevant in an environment where economic conditions can change rapidly and where policymakers, businesses, and researchers increasingly rely on timely economic information.

By combining macroeconometric models, economic indicators, survey information, high-frequency data, and machine learning techniques, the research environment provides an opportunity for doctoral researchers to work on contemporary challenges in economic forecasting.

Diversity and Sustainability at ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich states that it is committed to an inclusive culture based on equality of opportunity, diversity, and respect for the rights and dignity of staff and students.

The institution promotes a working and learning environment in which individuals can develop and contribute regardless of their background.

Sustainability is also identified as a core institutional value, with ETH Zurich working toward a climate-neutral future.

These institutional commitments form part of the broader environment in which the successful PhD student will undertake their studies and research.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit their applications online through the designated ETH Zurich application portal.

The application must include the following documents:

1. Letter of motivation explaining why the applicant is interested in pursuing a PhD in economic forecasting.
2. Curriculum vitae (CV) outlining academic qualifications, research experience, professional experience, and relevant skills.
3. Writing samples in German or English, such as a Master’s thesis.
4. Complete academic record, including undergraduate and graduate courses and grades.
5. Copies of academic certificates.
6. Contact information for two to three potential referees.

Applicants should ensure that their documents clearly demonstrate their academic preparation, quantitative abilities, research interests, and suitability for doctoral work in macroeconomic forecasting and data science.

Application Deadline

The deadline for submitting applications is:

15 September 2026

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.

The institution also states that the position is available immediately and should be filled as soon as possible, while the starting date itself remains negotiable.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the official online application portal.

ETH Zurich specifically states that it only accepts applications submitted through its online application portal. Applications sent by email or postal services will not be considered.

Applicants should therefore prepare all required documents in advance and submit the complete application through the designated recruitment system.

Questions concerning the position or application procedure can be directed to the KOF HR Services team at hr@kof.ethz.ch. The email address is intended for questions and not for submitting applications.

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Why This PhD Opportunity Stands Out

This position stands out because it combines a formal doctoral programme with direct involvement in applied economic research.

Rather than focusing exclusively on theoretical academic work, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to economic forecasting activities while developing a PhD in applied macroeconomics, macroeconometrics, or economic nowcasting or forecasting.

The position is especially relevant to candidates interested in the growing intersection between the following:

• Economics and data science
• Macroeconomics and machine learning
• Econometrics and artificial intelligence
• Economic forecasting and real-time data
• Academic research and policy analysis
• Quantitative research and programming

The opportunity can therefore provide a strong research platform for someone seeking advanced expertise in modern economic forecasting.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is a leading university specialising in science and technology and is internationally recognised for education, fundamental research, and the transfer of knowledge into society.

The university has a large international community, with more than 30,000 people from more than 120 countries. Its location in the heart of Europe also provides an international academic and research environment.

For candidates interested in pursuing a career in academic research, economic analysis, data science, or evidence-based policy research, undertaking a PhD at an institution of this standing can provide exposure to a highly research-intensive environment.

Important Points for Prospective Applicants

Before applying, candidates should pay particular attention to the following requirements:

• The position is full-time at 100%.
• The position is based in Zurich, Switzerland.
• It is initially offered for 18 months.
• There is potential for extension to the normal four- to five-year doctoral period, subject to satisfactory progress.
• A relevant Master’s degree is required or must be completed by appointment.
• Strong quantitative and programming abilities are important.
• Knowledge or interest in time-series econometrics, forecasting, and nowcasting is highly relevant.
• Experience with large-scale or real-time datasets is valuable.
• Good German is a prerequisite.
• English and German writing skills are required.
• French or Italian is an added advantage.
• Applicants must provide a writing sample.
• Complete academic records and certificates are required.
• Applicants must provide contact details for two to three references.
• Applications must be submitted online.
• Email and postal applications will not be considered.
• The application deadline is 15 September 2026.
• The position is available immediately and is intended to be filled as soon as possible.

Visit HERE for more information about the ETH Zurich PhD Student in Macroeconomic Forecasting and Data Science.

Conclusion

The ETH Zurich PhD Student in Macroeconomic Forecasting and Data Science position presents an opportunity for a highly qualified quantitative researcher to combine doctoral studies with practical, policy-relevant economic research at the KOF Swiss Economic Institute.

With its focus on applied macroeconomics, macroeconometrics, economic nowcasting, forecasting, machine learning, high-frequency data, and reproducible research, the position is particularly suited to graduates who want to build advanced expertise at the intersection of economics and data science.

Candidates with a relevant Master’s degree, excellent academic performance, strong quantitative and programming capabilities, an interest in economic forecasting, and the required German and English communication skills should consider preparing their applications carefully.

Interested applicants should ensure that their motivation letter, CV, academic records, writing sample, certificates, and references are complete before submitting their application through the official online portal.

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