2 Doctoral Positions in Agricultural Economics

We are looking for two PhD students for a joint project of our diversity-embracing groups, Food Systems Economics and Policy (FSEP, led by Prof. Eva-Marie Meemken) and Agricultural Economics and Policy (AECP, led by Prof. Robert Finger).

The new collaborative project focuses on the socioeconomic implications of environmentally friendly farming, focusing on low-pesticide production practices in Swiss grapevine production. The project is titled ‘Transition towards low-pesticide production and its socio-economic implications for farmers and farm workers‘. The project considers both farmers and hired farmworkers (who are often seasonal migrants from e.g., Eastern or Southern Europe), and aims to integrate these perspectives from economic, social, and policy perspectives.

You and your future PhD colleague in the project will work together closely, but each of you has their own focus: one of you will focus on farm and farmers perspectives (AECP), the other on workers (FSEP). If you have preferences, you can let us know in your application’s motivation letter, or you can leave this preference open.

Based on the overall project‘s objectives, you will develop a PhD proposal, which specifies research questions, methodological approaches, courses you want to take, and a time plan.

Your colleague and you, with support from the two groups, will plan and implement a survey to collect primary data from farmers (online) and workers (phone). These quantitative survey data will be complemented with qualitative interviews and workshops with different stakeholders (e.g., farmers, workers, other supply chain actors, representatives of farmer and worker associations, and policy makers).

After data collection, you will analyze your data and present your findings (in the form of scientific papers, conference and seminar presentations, and non-scientific outreach activities, e.g., blog posts and stakeholder workshops).

You hold (or will soon hold) a MSc degree in agricultural economics, economics, or related field. You are excited about environmentally friendly agriculture and social conditions in food systems.You have excellent English language skills, took classes in econometrics and gained practical skills in this area (e.g., data analysis for your MSc thesis), and you seek to develop your skills further. You are excited about preparing and implementing a survey. You enjoy working independently but you also embrace opportunities to discuss, interact, and collaborate with others.

You will work in an excellent and inspiring research and learning environment, allowing you to strengthen and gain diverse skills (e.g., data analysis, presentation skills, project management), develop and implement creative ideas, and develop your professional network.

You will work both independently and in collaboration with others on different tasks. The two groups (AECP and FSEP) are located in the same building, where we share a kitchen and lovely backyard. The positions do not involve regular teaching tasks but offer opportunities to gain experiences in this area. The preferred starting date is January 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is scheduled for 4 years. Salary and social benefits are provided according to ETH Zurich rules.

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 until September 30, 2023 with the following documents:

• Letter of motivation (max. 1 page)
• CV (max. 2 pages). Please indicate which languages, other than English, you speak and at which level
• Diplomas
• Copy of your MSc thesis (or term paper if the thesis is not yet submitted)
• Summary of your MSc thesis (max. 1 page)
• 2 scientific references (and contact details) who can be contracted (no letters, please).

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

If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Eva-Marie Meemken; evamarie.meemken@usys.ethz.ch (no applications).

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.