The Policy & Sustainability (PASU) lab at EPFL is looking for two PhD students to join our team to work on a new SNSF-funded project on Managing a Just Transition to Net Zero. This project’s overall ambition is to measure economic and labor market threats caused by the transition to net zero, as well as to identify effective policies to address these risks. Questions include: How vulnerable are workers and regional labor markets to decarbonization? What occupations may be particularly exposed? How difficult is it for at-risk workers for find new jobs? How effective are ‘just transition’ policies? How should policies be designed to reduce hostility to net zero targets?
The PASU lab, led by Professor Michaël Aklin and based at EPFL conducts applied and theoretical research on the economics and politics of sustainable development, as well as the policies to achieve it. More information at: https://www.epfl.ch/labs/pasu/.
Your profile
- A strong master’s degree in economics or computational social science (or related field in quantitative social sciences, public policy, etc.).
- Candidates with an engineering background may also be considered if they can document that they have been exposed to economics or computational social science (e.g., in their coursework or master’s thesis).
- An interest in problems related to climate, sustainability, energy, and/or labor economics.
- Fluency in English (French not required).
We offer
These are 4-year positions to complete a PhD at EPFL’s College of Management.
- A stimulating research environment that encourages curiosity, innovation, and rigor.
- Opportunities to work on policy-relevant topics and connect with international organizations, the private sector, NGOs, and state authorities in the Europe, the US, India, and elsewhere.
- Space to conduct independent research.
- Excellent work conditions and benefits (https://www.epfl.ch/campus/services/human-resources/en/basic-starting-salary-of-doctoral-assistants-and-postdocs/).
- Possibility to build connections with the E4S Center.
Misc.
- Applications will be evaluated as they are received, until the position is filled.
- Earliest starting date: September 1, 2024.
To apply
To be considered, please send an email with the title “PhD position PASU-SNSF 2024” to Ilona Klausener ([email protected]) with the following attachments in PDF:
- Cover letter explaining why you would be a good fit for this position.
- CV
- Writing sample (any paper you wrote and that showcases your research abilities, such as a master’s thesis, a publication, etc.).
- Grade transcripts.
- GRE scores (optional).
- Contact details to three references (at least two academics).
Please note: to enter EPFL’s PhD program, candidates will also need to be admitted to the doctoral school. This is a separate process. More information here: https://www.epfl.ch/education/phd/edmt-management-of-technology/edmt-how-to-apply/.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.