Postdoctoral Researcher - International Corporate Taxation or Local Public Finance/ Urban Economics 100%, Zurich, fixed-term 27.10.2026 | Chair of Public Economics

Postdoctoral Researcher - International Corporate Taxation or Local Public Finance/ Urban Economics

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Chair of Public Economics at the Department of Management, Technology and Economics (D-MTEC) invites applications for a postdoc position. The group's main focus is on theoretical and empirical research in the area of public economics such as corporate taxation, fiscal federalism and public economy aspects of the digital economy, for instance. The research strategy involves normative as well as political economy analyses. Preferences will be given to candidates with a specialization in international corporate taxation or local public finance/ urban economics.

Job description

Potential topics include:

• Taxation of multinational enterprises
• Corporate taxation and agency conflicts in firms
• Implications of international tax coordination (e.g. OECD pillar 1 and 2)
• Value creation and taxation of corporate profits in the digital economy

Or:

• Local tax competition and residential choices
• Urban amenities and policy choices
• Effects of intergovernmental fiscal transfers
• Fiscal decentralization and residential sorting

The work might be based on theoretical modelling and/or empirical analysis.

Profile

• Applicants should have recently earned a PhD in Economics (or should be near completion of the dissertation) and should have shown interest in the topics of the group
• The preferred candidate has demonstrated her or his potential to conduct high-quality research, ideally by having some papers under revision or even accepted for publication in refereed international journals
• The successful applicant is expected to independently conduct academic and policy-relevant research and also to contribute to ongoing research projects of the group
• Excellent command of English is required

We offer

Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society

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

We value diversity and sustainability

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. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application including:

• CV
• University transcripts
• A 2-3 page research statement
• Copy of the PhD thesis and/or academic papers

For further information about the Chair of Public Economics please visit our website.

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Marko Köthenbürger, [email protected] (no applications).

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

The review of applications will start in December 2026 and will continue as long as the job profile is advertised.

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.