PhD position: conditions for effective and equitable forest-focused supply chain policies in Brazil in Zürich

100%, Zurich, temporary

The Environmental Policy Lab at ETH Zurich invites applications for 1 PhD student, 3+ years – Start date: February 1, 2021 or by agreement for a large interdisciplinary project titled: Identifying the conditions under which forest-focused supply chain policies (FSPs) lead to improved conservation and livelihoods: a pan-tropical analysis. The new PhD student will assess the conditions for effectiveness and equity of forest-focused supply chain policies in Brazil in the soy and beef cattle sectors. She or he will work under the supervision of Prof. Rachael D. Garrett and post-doc Dr. Federico Cammelli.

Tropical forests are critical for human wellbeing through their contributions to climate stability, biodiversity conservation, food production, and rural livelihoods. Despite numerous global commitments to help conserve and restore tropical forests, these areas are disappearing faster than ever. The goal of this research is to provide major advancements in our understanding of the conditions under which forest-focused supply chain policies can lead to improved conservation and livelihoods in the tropics.

We offer an intellectually challenging full-time position in one of the leading research centers in Europe. The salary is according to the , and increases with seniority.

The PhD student will be in charge of observational field studies in the Brazilian Amazon and Cerrado involving household interviews. The work focuses on understanding the importance of different policy implementation strategies and contextual factors, such as land use history and interactions with public governance. The PhD student will assist Dr. Federico Cammelli in preparation and implementation of a randomized control trial among soy farmers in the Brazilian Cerrado.

You should hold a MSc in public policy, political science, economics, geography or a related field. Applicants are expected to have strong skills in quantitative methods, excellent writing, a strong command of English and Portuguese. Applicants from Brazil and applicants with professional experience in the field of supply chain policies are particularly welcome to apply. Women and other applicants from groups that are under-represented in academia are particularly encouraged to apply.

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.