Postdoc in Economics of Education and Labor Economics
The Chair of Business Economics, with a focus on Personnel Economics and Economics of (Vocational) Education, at the University of Zurich invites applications for a postdoctoral position (80% employment level). The chair is led by Prof. Dr. Anne Brenøe and is part of the Department of Business Administration.
The chair conducts research at the intersection of economics of education, labor/personnel economics, and applied microeconomics. We use empirical methods, including field experiments, survey experiments, and administrative data, to study questions related to education, labor markets, families, firms, and inequality.
We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher who wants to be an active part of a collaborative research team. The position is especially suited for a candidate with experience in field-based or experimental empirical research and a strong interest in taking an active role in field experiments. The successful candidate will work closely with Prof. Brenøe and other team members on the design, implementation, and analysis of empirical research projects.
The position is for three years, with the possibility of extension for another three years upon mutual agreement. The start date is flexible. The earliest possible start date is November 1, 2026, but a later start date until summer 2027 is possible.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
- develop and publish research projects in economics of education, labor/personnel economics, and applied microeconomics
- take a central role in field experiments, from research design and partner coordination to data collection and analysis
- work with experimental, survey, and administrative data and contribute to research papers, presentations, grant-related outputs, and policy-oriented communication
- collaborate closely with doctoral students, research assistants, and external partners
- contribute to teaching and administrative duties, which are expected to remain limited to approximately 20% of the position on average, with the remaining time devoted to research
Profile
Candidates should hold, by the start date, a PhD in economics or a closely related field.
Candidates should have:
- strong training in applied microeconomics, econometrics, and causal inference
- a strong research interest in economics of education, labor economics, personnel economics, or related applied-micro fields
- prior experience with field-based or experimental empirical research, such as field experiments, survey experiments, or empirical projects involving external partners
- excellent oral and written communication skills in English
- the ability to work independently, reliably, and with strong attention to detail
- a collaborative working style and interest in contributing actively to a research team
- German skills at B1 level or higher, explicitly stated in the CV. In exceptional cases, French skills at B2 level or higher may substitute for German skills; applications that do not state the relevant German or French proficiency level will not be considered. These language skills are relevant for fieldwork and collaboration with field partners and policy institutions.
What We Offer
We offer a friendly, research-oriented academic environment in a team that works closely together. The position provides strong support for academic development, including room to develop independent and joint research projects, close involvement in ongoing empirical projects, and support for presenting research at international conferences. Diversity and inclusion are important to us.
Salary is in accordance with the salary guidelines of the Canton of Zurich.
International candidates are welcome. For the successful candidate, the University of Zurich will support and coordinate the work-permit process in accordance with Swiss regulations.
The place of work is Plattenstrasse 14, 8032 Zurich. The team works primarily in person in Zurich; limited remote work is possible by arrangement.
Application
Please submit your application in one single PDF file including:
- a motivation letter
- a CV, including your German proficiency level or, where relevant, French proficiency level
- one writing sample
- the names, affiliations, and email addresses of three reference writers (letters do not need to be submitted at this stage; we may contact reference writers directly later in the process)
Applications and questions should be sent to teambrenoe@business.uzh.ch.
Review of applications will begin on September 1, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
To apply, send a message to teambrenoe@business.uzh.ch. (See posting for details.)