Student Research Assistant Position on Public Policy and Urban Studies

The research group Spatial Development and Urban Policy (SPUR) at the ETH Zürich’s Institute for Spatial and Landscape Development, led by Prof. Dr. David Kaufmann, invites applications for a Student Research Assistant Position on Public Policy and Urban Studies.

Cities are transforming our world from the ground up. Today, more than half of the global population live in urban areas—a share that continues to rise. Decentralisation reforms have shifted significant authority from national to municipal governments, making urban policies more consequential than ever. Cities can use these powers to entrench socio-spatial inequality, for example through gentrification, excluding residents from welfare services, and increasing dependence on fossil fuels. But they can also transform lives by improving conditions for marginalised communities, pioneering democratic innovations, and advancing environmental justice.

If you are excited about conducting cutting-edge research on these urgent issues, we look forward to receiving your application.

As a Student Research Assistant in Public Policy and Urban Studies, you will contribute to advancing the research agenda of the SPUR group through a variety of activities, including:

• Conducting structured literature reviews;
• Collecting and analysing empirical data, using quantitative methods (e.g., surveys) and/or qualitative methods (e.g., document analysis, interviews);
• Co-authoring publications with SPUR researchers for submission to leading academic journals;
• Supporting administrative and editorial tasks.

The exact scope of your work will evolve over time, with the aim of fostering your own research interests, methodological expertise, and theoretical perspectives. The position is initially offered for one year, with the possibility of extension to two years (covering the potential full duration of your study programme).

Essential:

• You are enrolled at a Swiss university (final year of a bachelor’s programme or early in a master’s programme).
• Your studies are in a social science discipline (e.g., political science, sociology, anthropology) or a spatial science discipline (e.g., urban and spatial planning, urban studies, geography).
• You have an interest in public policy analysis and urban studies.
• You have an excellent command of written and spoken English.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of quantitative or qualitative social science methods, and an interest in further developing these skills.
• Practical experience with policymaking or urban fieldwork (e.g., internships, volunteering, activism).
• Interest in engaging with critical theories of urban, political, and social change.

This position can be an excellent stepping stone, whether you aim to pursue a PhD after your master’s degree or build a career outside academia.

• Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society
• We are actively committed to a sustainable and climate-neutral university

ETH Zürich is a family-friendly employer offering excellent working conditions, an inspiring work environment, cultural diversity, and attractive benefits. We firmly believe that diversity enriches any workplace and warmly encourage applications from individuals belonging to historically underrepresented or disadvantaged groups.

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

• A short cover letter
• Your CV
• Your transcript of records
• A copy of your confirmation of enrolment

Please note that we only accept applications submitted via the official ETH job portal. Applications sent by email or post will not be considered.

The selection process will begin in September 2025. We look forward to receiving your online application by 02.09.2025. For specific questions about this position (but not for submitting applications), please contact Dr. Raffaele Bazurli (Write an email) and Dr. Michael Wicki (Write an email). The position is expected to start in October 2025.