Postdoctoral Position (5 years) in the Consumer Behavior Group in Zürich

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

From April 2021 or by agreement, a Postdoctoral Position is available at ETH Zurich in the Consumer Behavior group () for the interdisciplinary H2020-SFS-10-2020 project DECIDE (Data-driven control and prioritization of non-EU-regulated contagious animal diseases).

The Consumer Behavior group (Prof. Dr. Michael Siegrist) belongs to the Department of Health Sciences and Technology. It is affiliated with the Institute for Environmental Decisions (IED) and the Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health (IFNH).

The Consumer Behavior group’s aim is to enhance the understanding of individual and organisational decision making under conditions of uncertainty. Our group is specialised in investigating and comparing different stakeholders‘ perceptions of innovative technologies and complex issues with the goal of improving stakeholder collaboration and communication. We are dedicated to helping society make better decisions with regard to the management of environmental, technological and food innovations and challenges. For this, our group frequently collaborates with natural scientists within the ETH and other national and international institutions.

The goal of DECIDE is to develop data-driven decision tools that enable farmers, veterinarians and other animal health and welfare managers to improve control of contagious animal diseases (e.g., gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections, pathogens related to growth reduction and mortality). The focus will be on four species, namely pigs, poultry, cattle and salmonids. The candidate will be working in the social science work package “Implementation and behavioural strategies for animal disease management.” The overall objective of this work package is to determine the stakeholders’ drivers, barriers and willingness to share data and/or to implement and use data-driven decision tools for animal disease and animal welfare management. Furthermore, this knowledge will be utilised to develop and evaluate informational material directed at stakeholders. The candidate will work with a mixed method approach targeting various key stakeholders (farm-staff, producers, veterinary and production advisors, companies and producer organisations, consumers). The methods applied will encompass qualitative interviews, large-scale surveys and online and on-site experiments.

For this position, we are seeking an outstanding and highly motivated early-career researcher with an earned PhD in Social Sciences or an earned PhD in other Sciences with an interest in Social Science. The candidate should have an affinity for interdisciplinary research, environmental issues and animal health and well-being. The candidates should have a strong research record demonstrating their ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals internationally with a clear eye for the practical implications of research. Excellent communication skills in English and preferably German, the ability to work independently and manage joint research activities, and skills in teamwork are essential. The candidates should be willing to travel in Europe, given that the Covid-19 situation allows it.

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.