ETH Zurich is a world - leading university dedicated to advancing science and technology. The advertised positions are based at the forthcoming school for public policy at ETH Zürich and the Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences. Located in Zürich at the ETH Zentrum campus the forthcoming school provides a vibrant research environment at the interface of science, technology and policy.
The Plant4Value project , led by Dr. Daniela Hoffmann and Dr. Lukas Fesenfeld, at ETH Zurich aims to pilot, evaluate, and scale innovative approaches to transform agri - food systems in line with sustainability goals and levers for promoting plant - based value creation and nutrition in Switzerland through integrated pilot projects in production, processing, trade, and consumption. The project addresses economic, social, and political challenges that are currently hindering the transformation of agri - food systems, including high land and labor costs, path dependencies, and low demand for plant - based food alternatives, including high land and labor costs, path dependencies, and low demand for plant - based food alternatives.
Project backgroundThe project takes a transdisciplinary approach and cooperates with research groups at ETH Zurich, the ETH World Food System Center, and various other partners from science, business, civil society, and politics. The project is implemented in collaboration with agricultural businesses, processing companies, retailers, community catering, associations, and the administration at the municipal, cantonal, and federal levels. In addition to the implementation and evaluation of the pilot projects with the implementation and research partners, close exchange with decision-makers is planned to scale the results, as well as accompanying communication measures.
Job descriptionWe are looking for two PhD candidates eager to work in an inter - and transdisciplinary setting. One PhD position will be focusing more on consumer choice and demand-driven food value-chains and policy aspects while the other PhD position is embedded more in the production - and processing side of value chains and agri - food policies. The positions are within the fields of Political Economy, Behavioral Public Policy, Food and Agricultural Economics.
Profile - Strong academic background, and an excellent Master's degree in Political Science, Business and Economics, Behavioral Science, Public Policy, Environmental, Food and Agricultural Economics, or similar
- Proficient knowledge of and previous experience with R and Python, survey design, experimental design, field experiments and quasi - experiments are an added value
- Strong interest to work in an inter- and transdisciplinary setting and for agri - food and environmental topics, especially in the context of Switzerland
- Proficient German and English skills are prerequisite
- Strong interpersonal skills and motivation to work collaboratively within the project team and with supporting and implementing partners
We offer - An exciting and meaningful role at the interface of science, policy, and practice
- PhD candidates can shape the focus of their thesis and experimental set - up and design according to their interests and talents and within the framework of the overall project objectives.
- A dynamic, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary working environment at the new ETH School of Public Policy
- A collaborative team setting within the Plant4Value team
- Close collaboration with renowned national and international research institutions and stakeholders from politics, business, and society
- Flexible working conditions and opportunities for personal development
- We are actively committed to a sustainable and climate-neutral university
- You can expect numerous benefits , such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ , childcare and attractive pension benefits
> Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
We value diversity 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.
