PhD Position in Climate Extremes and Migration Research at ETH Zurich Are you interested in exploring how climate change influences human migration? ETH Zurich is offering a fully funded PhD position focused on climate extremes and migration, based in Zurich. This opportunity is ideal for candidates passionate about data-driven research at the intersection of climate science, public policy, and social sciences. About the Programme This PhD position is hosted by the Public Policy Group and the Immigration Policy Lab (IPL). The research is embedded within the NCCR CLIM+ programme, a major Swiss research initiative examining climate extremes and their societal impacts. The project aims to deepen understanding of how climate-related shocks—such as extreme weather events—affect migration patterns both within and across borders. By combining expertise in migration research and climate science, the programme contributes to building more resilient and informed policy responses. Research Focus and Responsibilities The selected PhD candidate will contribute to a growing research agenda investigating the relationship between climate extremes and migration. A key objective is to generate causal evidence on how environmental shocks influence different types of migration, including asylum-seeking, refugee movements, and labour migration. The role involves working with global migration datasets alongside high-resolution climate data. Using advanced quantitative methods, the candidate will analyse how environmental factors shape mobility trends. This includes applying statistical techniques for causal inference and working with geospatial data. Beyond the core project, the candidate will have the flexibility to develop independent research topics aligned with the goals of the programme. The position also includes minor teaching and administrative responsibilities, accounting for approximately 10% of the workload. Academic Environment and Collaboration The PhD student will join the research team led by Dominik Hangartner at ETH Zurich. The role offers extensive opportunities for collaboration with interdisciplinary researchers across the NCCR CLIM+ network. This collaborative environment enables engagement with both academic and policy-oriented research, allowing candidates to build strong professional networks and contribute to real-world policy discussions. Candidate Profile Strong applicants are expected to hold a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline such as political science, economics, sociology, data science, or computational social science. Key qualifications include: Solid training in quantitative methods and statistical analysis Experience with statistical programming languages, particularly R Familiarity with geospatial data analysis Interest in migration, climate change, and public policy Ability to collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary teams Excellent English writing and communication skills Candidates with an interest in translating academic research into policy-relevant insights will be particularly well suited for this role. Benefits and Opportunities ETH Zurich offers a highly supportive and collaborative research environment. PhD candidates benefit from mentorship by experienced researchers, access to international academic networks, and opportunities to engage with policymakers and practitioners. The position includes a competitive salary and pension benefits in line with ETH standards, as well as funding for research and travel. Candidates will also gain valuable teaching experience and exposure to interdisciplinary research. Commitment to Diversity and Sustainability ETH Zurich is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse academic environment. The institution promotes equal opportunities and values the contributions of individuals from different backgrounds. Sustainability is also a core principle, with ongoing efforts to support climate-neutral research and operations. Application Process Interested candidates should submit their application through the official ETH Zurich online portal. Required documents include: Cover letter Curriculum Vitae (CV) Academic transcripts Writing sample (e.g. Master’s thesis) Additionally, two confidential letters of recommendation must be submitted separately. The application review process begins on June 1, 2026, and continues until the position is filled. Why Apply? This PhD position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research on one of the most pressing global challenges: the intersection of climate change and human mobility. By joining ETH Zurich, candidates will gain access to world-class resources, interdisciplinary expertise, and a platform to influence both academic research and public policy. For aspiring researchers seeking to make a meaningful impact, this role provides the tools, mentorship, and environment needed to thrive. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. 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