Switzerland; PhD Position in Agricultural Economics
Ph.D. Position in Agricultural Economics at ETH Zurich
The Agri-food & Agri-environmental Economics Group (AFEE) of ETH Zurich (www.afee.ethz.ch) invites applications for a Ph.D position:
We are looking for a Ph.D. student to conduct research in the project “Water Demand in Swiss Agriculture, and Sustainable Adaptive Options for Land and Water Management to Mitigate Impacts of Climate Change -AGWAM” within the framework of the National Research Programme “Sustainable Water Management” (NRP 61, www.nfp61.ch).

The main goal of the AGWAM project is to investigate sustainable strategies for agricultural land use and farm management to mitigate negative impacts of climate change on agricultural water demand in Switzerland around the year 2050. The Ph.D. student at our group will develop a model that integrates bio-physical component models and an economic farm decision model based on genetic algorithms. This study focuses on the farm scale, identifying on-farm strategies to adapt to changes in climatic conditions under a range of possible changes in agroenvironmental policies, socio-economic boundary conditions, and land use. Moreover, strategies for water conservation in agricultural land use are analyzed.
The candidate is expected to hold a Diploma or Master degree in agricultural economics or another quantitative discipline by January 2010. Profound knowledge in economics, mathematics, statistics, and a very good understanding of agricultural and agri-environmental processes is expected. Moreover, we expect that the candidate has experience in programming C or C++. In addition, excellent writing and communications skills in English are required. Knowledge of German and French is not a prerequisite but would be an advantage.