Are you a highly motivated and intellectually curious individual passionate about the intersection of finance, climate change, and corporate strategy? Do you want to contribute cutting-edge research that informs investment decisions and shapes the future of sustainable finance? 

The Sustainable Finance Group (SustFin) within the Department of Management, Technology, and Economics of ETH Zurich is inviting applications for a fully funded, four-year doctoral position focused on the financial implications of climate risk.

This PhD project, jointly supervised by Assistant Professor Thomas Giroux (Chair of Sustainable Finance, ETH Zurich) and Senior Researcher Chiara Colesanti Senni (Finance department, University of Zurich), offers an outstanding opportunity to engage with urgent, real-world sustainability challenges. By combining rigorous academic inquiry with practical relevance, the project will provide a stimulating research environment at the intersection of finance, climate science, and public policy.

This PhD position will contribute to a pioneering research agenda, exploring the multifaceted impacts of climate change on corporate activities and financial markets. The successful candidate will conduct independent research across two interconnected themes:

• Quality of Transition Plans, Asset Pricing and Investment Decisions: You will investigate the robustness and credibility of corporate climate transition plans. This includes analyzing how the quality of these plans is perceived by the market, their implications for real-world decarbonation, and how various stakeholders (investors, lenders, insurers) integrate this information into their investment and lending decisions, including an asset-pricing analysis of these implications.
• Impact of Physical Risk on Companies’ Activities (including scenarios and using satellite data): This theme focuses on quantifying and assessing the financial impacts of physical climate and nature risks on corporate operations and assets. You will develop and apply advanced methodologies, including scenario analysis and the innovative use of satellite data, to model the exposure and vulnerability of companies to climate-related hazards (e.g., floods, droughts, extreme weather events) and relate it to investments decisions, innovations and other channels of business models transition and adaptation.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with:

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Finance, Economics, Environmental Science, Data Science, Quantitative Social Sciences, or a related field with a strong quantitative component.
• Excellent analytical and quantitative skills, including proficiency in statistical software (e.g., Python, R).
• Demonstrated interest in climate change, sustainable finance, and corporate sustainability.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Prior experience with large datasets, econometrics, or geospatial analysis is a strong asset.

We offer a positive research environment in a large, dynamic team at a globally leading academic institution. In our group, you will benefit from frequent interactions with leading researchers from across a vibrant community at ETH Zurich and around the world.

• A stimulating and supportive research environment within a leading institution in sustainable finance.
• Access to extensive datasets and cutting-edge analytical tools.
• Opportunities for international collaboration and participation in top-tier academic conferences.
• Dedicated supervision from leading experts in the field.
• A competitive salary and benefits package for a four-year duration.
• The chance to contribute directly to the evolving landscape of sustainable finance and climate risk management.

Your day-to-day supervisor will be Assistant Professor Thomas Giroux (Chair of Sustainable Finance, ETH Zurich) and Senior Researcher Chiara Colesanti Senni (Finance department, University of Zurich.

This PhD is fully funded. You will be hired as a full-time researcher for the entire duration of the project (2025/2026 to 2028/2029). The starting date is negotiable, but we are aiming to fill this position as soon as possible (late 2025 – early 2026). The annual salary is very competitive (see ETH Zurich regulations). The position is based in Zurich, Switzerland. Remote work from outside of Switzerland is not possible due to legal constraints.

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.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• A cover letter outlining their motivation and research interests, specifically addressing how their background aligns with the two research themes.
• A detailed CV, including a list of publications (if any).
• Academic transcripts from Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
• A research proposal (approx. 2-3 pages) outlining initial ideas for research questions and methodologies related to one or more of the project themes.
• Contact information for two academic referees.

Join us in shaping the future of finance for a sustainable world!

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

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Mrs Ricarda Wellauer, Tel 044 632 06 50 or email [email protected] (no applications).

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

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.