The Pre-Doc Program at the University of Zurich’s Department of Economics places graduates in paid research positions alongside the department’s faculty. It launched in 2021 and is built for people with a strong quantitative background who are considering PhD studies in economics but want to find out first what the work actually involves. Each pre-doc works with one or more senior mentors — faculty members or postdocs — on live research projects, and the position deliberately combines research work with learning activities rather than being pure research assistance. Positions typically run one to two years. The department frames the payoff two ways: fellows learn whether an academic research career fits them, and they leave with research experience and mentor support that strengthen a PhD application.
Benefits & funding
- A predoctoral salary, which the department describes as competitive with similar programs at other universities. No figure is published on the program pages; each individual posting carries its own terms.
- One or more senior mentors (faculty members or postdocs), with regular mentoring sessions.
- On-the-job learning built into the position alongside the research work, including access to best-practice examples from experienced researchers.
- Full participation in the intellectual life of the department.
- Mentor support through the PhD application process.
- Agreements usually run for one year, with an option to renew for a second year by mutual agreement between the faculty supervisor(s) and the fellow.
Eligibility
- A master’s or bachelor’s degree with excellent grades in Economics or another quantitative field — the department names Biology, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Physics as examples, and states the list is not exhaustive.
- A strong quantitative background, and an interest in going on to PhD study in economics.
- Open to all nationalities: the department states that the individual chair postings are open to all applicants regardless of nationality or background.
- Fluency in English. German is not required.
- A second, separate route — the Global Talent Common Application — is reserved for qualified applicants from low- and middle-income countries and/or with a refugee background. The two paths are not mutually exclusive.
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Bachelor · Master
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Application process
- 1Check the department’s job vacancy listings for pre-doc openings that are currently advertised. Each posting states its own requirements, deadline and application method.
- 2Apply directly to the specific opening. Applicants are told not to contact a potential supervisor beforehand — every application is reviewed by all potential supervisors.
- 3Applicants from low- and middle-income countries and/or with a refugee background may additionally enter the Global Talent Common Application pool, from which faculty recruit.
- 4Submit all documents that the posting requires.
- 5Shortlisted applicants may be invited to interview, and may be asked to complete a data or technical exercise.
Program timeline
Rolling
Openings are posted individually on the department’s vacancy listings; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until each position is filled
August / September
Most positions begin, although the department notes other start dates may be possible
After one year
Agreement may be renewed for a second year by mutual agreement