Postdoc position: Political Economy of Low-Carbon Technologies

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

ETH Zurich’s new Political Economy of Technology (PET) group at the Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences , led by Prof. Dr. Lukas Fesenfeld, is seeking a postdoc to join its research team studying the political economy of low-carbon technologies (LCTs) and climate policy. The PET group adopts an interdisciplinary, mixed-method approach grounded in political economy and public policy research to explore the political, economic, and social dimensions of technological change, particularly at the intersection of technology, politics, and policy.

Project background

This position is part of the ERC Starting Grant project ’The Politicization of Low-Carbon Technologies (PolTech)’ funded by the European Research Council. The PolTech project aims to explore the drivers and impacts of technology politicization. Specifically, it studies the technology-politics interaction in the context of various LCTs, such as solar PV, wind turbines, electric vehicles, heat pumps, and more. These LCTs are crucial for achieving global climate change mitigation targets, but their adoption is often affected by intense politicization. The project examines how varying levels of LCT politicization affect technology adoption, industrial development, policy design, and its socio-technical and political feedback effects.

The project is embedded within ETH Zurich’s new Einstein School of Public Policy , providing excellent opportunities for collaboration with leading scholars at ETH Zurich, EPFL, Technical University of Munich, Stanford University, and others, as well as policymakers in Switzerland, the EU, and other OECD countries.

Job description

• The postdoc will have the opportunity to develop an innovative research agenda in the field of political economy, climate policy and technology politics, using, among others:
  • Econometrics, field and survey experiments, and quasi-experimental causal inference methods,
  • Natural language processing (NLP), and
  • Comparative case studies
• As part of the ERC Starting Grant, the postdoc will have the opportunity to assess:
  • The drivers of low-carbon technology (LCT) politicization, using, for instance, NLP-based analyses of media and parliamentary speeches to develop a new LCT politicization index
  • The impacts of LCT politicization on policy and socio-technical change, and its elite and mass political feedback, using, for instance, experimental and mixed-method approaches to study how LCT politicization - across different technologies and institutional contexts - affects policy design, technology deployment, industry development, and voting behaviors, among others
• Embedded in the new ETH Einstein School of Public Policy, the postdoc also has the opportunity to create policy-relevant insights for decision-makers on how to manage political risks and opportunities associated with different LCTs and climate policies

Postdoctoral researchers at ETH Zurich are employed on a full-time basis (100%). Part-time employment may be considered only in exceptional circumstances, such as childcare or family responsibilities, or in combination with other projects or professional commitments.

Profile

• We are looking for candidates with a PhD (or close to finishing their PhD) in political science, public policy, political economy, economics, sociology, computational social sciences, or a related field
• Strong knowledge of advanced quantitative methods is essential (e.g., econometrics, causal inference methods such as experiments and quasi-experiments).
• Experience with natural language processing (NLP) and comparative qualitative case studies is an advantage
• The ideal candidate should have an interest in climate policy, low-carbon technologies, and sustainability transitions
• The candidate should be highly motivated to conduct scientifically rigorous work that is relevant to both academic audiences and policymakers
• Fluency in English is required, and experience in interdisciplinary and international collaborations is a plus

Workplace

We offer

The new Political Economy of Technology group at ETH Zurich offers a dynamic and collaborative research environment with ample opportunities for academic growth.

• The postdoc will have the opportunity to:
  • Develop and contribute to a novel research agenda,
  • Lead and collaborate on publications in high-impact political science and interdisciplinary journals,
  • Participate in advising master’s and doctoral students, and
  • Participate in international conferences.
• The postdoc will benefit from ETH Zurich’s strong interdisciplinary and global network, including:
  • The Albert Einstein School of Public Policy,
  • The ETH’s Energy Science Center and ETH’s World Food System Center, and
  • The Center for Comparative and International Studies, a joint initiative between ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich.
• Start date: negotiable, with a preferred start in Q2 2026.
• Duration & location: the position is initially for three years, based in Zurich, Switzerland, with centrally located offices.
• Compensation & development: the salary is internationally competitive, and the position offers excellent career development opportunities, such as:
  • Training opportunities (e.g., transferable skills, methods training, teaching support).
  • Perspectives for career development, including support for academic profiling and grant applications.
  • Support programmes and networks, such as mentoring and access to institutional and interdisciplinary networks.
  • A collaborative team culture, with close exchange (e.g., regular retreats in the Swiss Alps) and strong support for high-quality research.
  • An excellent working environment and employment conditions in an international, research-focused setting.
  • A strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.

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, which should include:

• A letter of motivation
• Your CV
• Contact information for two references (no recommendation letters required at this stage)
• Your university diplomas or transcripts
• A sample of your written work (a paper or a chapter from your doctoral dissertation)

The position is open to all nationals, and an existing work permit for Switzerland is not required at the time of application. We exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. The review of applications will begin on February 16, 2026, and the position will remain open until it is filled.

Please direct only open questions that are not yet answered by this job description to Prof. Dr. Lukas Fesenfeld by email at lukas.fesenfeldgess.ethz.ch (please 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.

Apply online now

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.