Research Assistant in Development Economics

80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Development Economics Group (DEC) at ETH Zurich is dedicated to empirical economics research that can inform more effective policies to reduce global poverty and inequalities. Our goal is to develop social innovations to reduce global poverty and inequality. We conduct empirical and experimental economic research.

The Development Economics Group (ETH-DEC) is offering a research assistant position in Development Economics. The starting date is the 1st of October for 6 months. This is a position to get some research experience between a Master’s degree and a PhD program.

Job description

You will work on cleaning data sets and conducting or reproducing statistical analysis in preparation for academic publications.
You will also be responsible for visualizing results, literature reviews and data search.
Last, you will be involved in organizational tasks related to running our research group.

Profile

You have a Master’s degree in economics, statistics or development studies.
You have a strong background in quantitative methods and are excited to code.
You are interested in topics of global poverty and inequality.
You have a good knowledge of the statistical software R and/or STATA is required.
You speak and write English fluently.
Knowledge of InDesign is a plus, but not required.
Knowledge of French or German is a plus, but not required.
Experience in working for an international organization engaged in global development is a plus, but not required.

Workplace

We offer

Our team: We are an international team of highly motivated economists and data scientists interested in analyzing global inequalities and contributing to global development solutions. Our research group is closely linked to NADEL, a multidisciplinary team educating future decision-makers for global cooperation and development and which links researchers with civil society, NGOs, governments, and industry to develop and scale innovations for the global population.

Our values: We value open discourse, diversity, and empathy. We are curious about new approaches to research, enjoy interdisciplinary research, and encourage public service.

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.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents by August 3rd, 2025:

1-page Cover Letter
CV
Your Masters thesis
Academic Transcripts
In addition, you should ask for one academic reference letter to be sent by August 10th, 2025, directly to Ghislaine Tegha Megha-Bongnkar (no applications).

For information of our research group, visit our website.

Interviews will take place end of August/beginning of September.

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

About ETH Zürich

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.