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Research Assistant in Quantitative Social Science

Immigration Policy Lab

Immigration Policy Lab

Zurich, Switzerland
Posted on Dec 12, 2025

Research Assistant in Quantitative Social Science

10%-30%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Immigration Policy Lab, jointly with the Swiss Economic Institute (KOF) is looking for a Research Assistant in Quantitative Social Science. The contract will be limited to 6 months fixed term and will start by February 1st or upon agreement.

Project background

Our lab evaluates policies and designs scalable solutions that aim to improve the lives of immigrants and strengthen host communities. You will work on a quantitative research project that contributes to this mission. The project uses large-scale click data from an online job platform and administrative data sources to study hiring discrimination faced by ethnic and immigrant minorities in Switzerland.

Job description

  • Your task will be to support the project in a variety of ways
  • This includes tasks such as the cleaning and processing of data, visualization and preliminary statistical analyses
  • In addition, you might support the team in smaller tasks, such as the annotation of texts, literature searches, and more

Profile

  • Enrolled in a master’s program at a Swiss university / ETH with a strong focus on data science or statistical methods (data science, computer science, economics, social sciences, etc.)
  • Excellent programming skills in R (Git, Stata and/or Python are of advantage)
  • Proficiency in data cleaning and management and experience working with complex datasets
  • Reliable, structured and precise working style
  • Strong communication skills regarding technical matters and data analysis
  • Comfortable formulating questions and proactively seeking guidance as needed
  • Curious and self-motivated, with a strong sense of ownership over their work
  • Fluency in English and/or German, oral and written

Workplace

Workplace




We offer

  • Hands-on experience on an empirical research project that aims to provide tangible social impact for immigrants
  • Highly collaborative work environment: you will be working closely together with the project team at IPL and KOF at ETH Zurich
  • Professional supervision by experienced researchers, supporting you in your career development as a data scientist / applied econometrician / quantitative social scientist
  • Salary and pension benefits according to ETH regulation
Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

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 a cover letter, CV, and study transcripts. Only applications submitted through our online application portal are accepted.

For further information about the position please contact Kristina Schüpbach schuepbach@kof.ethz.ch (Subject: Research Assistant). For more information on the Immigration Policy Lab and public policy group please visit our websites.

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

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

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.