Post-Doctoral Researcher in Political Science in Zürich

100%, Zurich, temporary

The Development Economics Group is a small international team of highly motivated researchers interested by challenges and solutions of global development. We are offering a Post-Doctoral Research position (100%, starting February 2020) to a political scientist on the impact of resource extraction on development and on governance of the extractive sector.

The The Post-Doctoral Researcher will work on two related but separate research projects. One project investigates the flow and regulation of illicit financial flows from resource extraction and commodity trade (for details on the IFF project see ); the other inquires the politics of regulating externalities from resource production taking the case of (health) impact assessments (for details on the HIA4SD project see ).

Both research projects are conducted in partnership with universities in Switzerland and in partner countries (Ghana, Tanzania, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, Laos) and in multidisciplinary settings of political scientists, economists, legal scholars and epidemiologists.

The contract is initially for 12 months with a possible extension of two more years, also depending on external funding.

In the IFF project, the successful candidate will examine the politics of commodity trade related IFFs. In the HIA4SD project, the focus is on the politics of managing social and environmental externalities at the national and international level. You will work closely with researchers at partner universities. Time allocation between the two research projects is 50% each. There are no teaching requirements, but you will mentor one or two PhDs.

You have a PhD in political sciences, development studies or international relations and are familiar with political economy. Experience with research of the extractive sector and with policy development is an asset. The larger context in which the project is embedded requires interdisciplinary interests and competences.

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.