Postdoctoral Fellow in Development Economics

Department of Economics

Postdoctoral Fellow in Development Economics 100 %

Start of employment September 2026 at latest, temporary

The Department of Economics of the University of Zurich is seeking to fill a Postdoctoral position for a one-year contract, with the possibility to renew, starting September 2026 at the latest. The successful applicant will have the unique opportunity to be part of the Lemann Center for Education, Development and Public Policy, which will be led by Esther Duflo and Abhijit Banerjee, who were awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics and are global leaders in development economics.

Your responsibilities

Through the Lemann Center, the Department of Economics is partnering with the Alliance for Data, Evaluation, and Policy Training (ADEPT) to establish innovative new graduate-level programs that blend in-person teaching with online courses in the J-PAL/MITx Data, Economics, and Design of Policy (DEDP) MicroMasters program. The focus of this position is to spearhead the development and launch of these programs, in close coordination with Professors Esther Duflo (MIT/UZH), Sara Fisher Ellison (MIT), and Dina Pomeranz (UZH), and the ADEPT/UZH Economics teams. In addition, the successful candidate will support other ADEPT university partnerships in the region and elsewhere.

Responsibilities may include:

Co-design and help launch UZH-based programs

• Curriculum design for new graduate-level programs offered through the UZH Economics department for students and policymakers
• Oversee logistical and operational requirements to launch the new UZH-based programs, including navigating national and university regulatory requirements, obtaining university approvals, advertising, admissions setup, and more
• Assist in the organization of and teach courses at UZH and elsewhere for students, policymakers, and early career researchers. The courses may range from one-week courses for working professionals to semester-long classes in the Economics department

Support other activities led by ADEPT and the Lemann Center

• Develop new teaching materials in policy design and evaluation
• Direct support to faculty and departments at ADEPT partner universities designing new programs similar to those at UZH
• Contribute to research projects as they come up through the Lemann Center
• Other responsibilities as needed to advance the programs and work of the Lemann Center

Approximately 80% of the postdoc's time will be dedicated towards these activities, with the re-maining 20% for independent research projects.

Your profile

Applicants should hold a PhD in Economics or a related field with PhD-level economics course-work and an interest in development economics, education, or public policy. We are looking for someone who is passionate about teaching with solid experience in educational practice and developing new teaching materials. Candidates should demonstrate strong coordination skills and a commitment to impactful, policy-relevant research. We are looking for a dynamic, self-motivated individual who is passionate about thinking creatively about global capacity building to help develop and launch these programs.

Professional working proficiency in English is required. Knowledge of German is an advantage but not a requirement.

The Department of Economics offers an exciting research environment and competitive terms and conditions. Diversity and inclusion are important to us.

Information on your application

Complete applications including a cover letter, CV, job market paper, and at least 3 letters of recommendation will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting December 10th, 2025. Interviews will be conducted online starting in mid December. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Applications should be submitted online through the following link.

For further information, please contact Sarah Kopper by email.

What we offer

Work-Life Balance

• Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
• Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH

Learning and Development

• Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
• Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

Food

• Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
• Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

Healthcare

• Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
• Free seasonal flu vaccinations
• Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

Discounts

• Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
• Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
• Special conditions on hotel reservations

Conditions of Employment

• Policies of the UZH
• Most UZH staff are employed according to public law

International Services

• Support for people from outside Switzerland

Campuses

• Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
• Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

Location
Department of Economics

Zürichbergstrasse 14, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland

Further information
Questions about the job

Sarah Kopper

Associate Director of Research

Questions about the application procedure

Sarah Kopper

Associate Director of Research

Working at UZH

The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer

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