Research Associate in Economics (fixed-term) 60 - 80%

Publication date:13 December 2025
Workload:60 – 80%
Place of work:Zürich

Job summary

Join the Volkswirtschaftsdirektion Zürich as a researcher! Enjoy flexible hours and a supportive team.

Tasks

Conduct practical, scientific analyses for the economic sector.
Prepare and evaluate data for publications and political matters.
Research current economic policy topics and manage projects.

Skills

Recent graduate with a Bachelor’s or Master’s in economics preferred.
Statistical analysis experience, ideally with Python or R.
Fluent in German, both written and spoken.

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About the job

Research Associate in Economics (fixed-term) 60 - 80%

The Directorate of Economics of the Canton of Zurich (www.vd.zh.ch) oversees the Office for Labor, the Office for Economy, the Office for Mobility, as well as administratively the Zurich Transport Network (ZVV).

In the interest of employees and companies, the Office for Economy (AWI) contributes to strengthening the Zurich location. With its approximately 100 employees, the AWI bundles economic competencies and houses the areas of location promotion, work permits, labor relations, labor inspection, and economics as well as the staff.

The Economics division prepares economic analyses of the Zurich business location, prepares information for parliamentary and political processes, and deals with current social and economic developments in the Canton of Zurich.

Due to a maternity cover, we are looking for a research associate for our small, motivated team for a fixed-term position of 12 months starting February 2026 or by arrangement.

Your tasks:
- Collaboration in designing and independently conducting practice-relevant scientific analyses
- Preparation and evaluation of data for publications, presentations, and political matters
- Research on current topics with economic policy relevance (including reviewing scientific literature)
- Collaboration in the preparation and updating of complex data sets
- Project management and coordination of meetings and project partners

Your profile:
- Entry-level professional with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, preferably in economics
- Strong interest in economics and politics
- Experience with statistical analysis (preferably Python or R) and strong interest in applying and deepening this knowledge in a practice-oriented environment
- Independent, systematic, and precise working style
- Confident German language skills in speaking and writing

We offer:
Quite a lot! An interesting activity at the pulse of politics and economy. Flexible working hours, contributions to meal costs, and home office are a matter of course for us. Your workplace? Right in the heart of Zurich, just a few minutes’ walk from Zurich main station.

Curious? Valérie Müller, Deputy Head of the Economic Policy Unit (043 259 49 37) will be happy to provide you with further information. Please note that our office will be closed for holidays from December 22, 2025, to January 4, 2025.

We look forward to your application! Learn more about us at www.zh.ch/vd