MSCA PF in Switzerland: International Economics

About ZHAW School of Management and Law & Dr. Benedikt Zoller

The ZHAW School of Management and Law (SML) is one of Switzerland’s leading business schools, known for its strong applied research, international orientation, and deep integration with industry and policy-making. As part of the Zurich University of Applied Sciences, SML combines academic rigor with practical impact, offering cutting-edge research and education in economics, business, law, and public management. Its commitment to innovation and relevance has made it a trusted partner for both the private and public sectors.

Within SML, the Global Business Lab (GBL) is a hub for research in international trade, global value chains, and sustainable economic development. GBL is dedicated to uncovering how firms navigate and shape global markets, with a special focus on trade networks, supply chain dynamics, and the intersection of globalization and regional development.

Dr. Benedikt Zoller, Co-Head of the Global Business Lab, is an expert in international trade and economic networks. His research focuses on firm-level trade dynamics, supply chain formation, and the role of clusters and institutions in shaping global commerce. With a strong background in applied economics and policy-relevant analysis, Dr. Zoller leads several national and European projects.

Project Scope:

This project explores the dynamic formation and evolution of firm-level trade relationships within global supply chains. Moving beyond static models of export decisions, it focuses on how firms search for, establish, and optimize buyer–supplier linkages over time. Drawing on trade theory, network analysis, and firm-level data, the project aims to model the path-dependent nature of trade networks, understand the impact of institutional and regional factors (e.g., credit constraints, rules of origin, cluster effects), and assess how these dynamics influence firm productivity, resilience, and innovation. The research will contribute to both academic literature and policy discussions on improving trade efficiency and industrial competitiveness through smarter trade and innovation ecosystems.

Eligibility and How to Apply

We are currently looking for an outstanding postdoctoral researcher interested in applying for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship (MSCA PF) hosted at the Global Business Lab, ZHAW School of Management and Law (Winterthur, Switzerland), starting in 2026.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the MSCA PF, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a PhD degree (awarded by the call deadline: 10 September 2025)

• Have a maximum of 8 years of research experience after the PhD (career breaks and non-research time excluded)

• Comply with the mobility rule: the applicant must not have lived or worked in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to the call deadline (for European Fellowships)

• Demonstrate a strong research background in international trade, applied microeconomics, firm-level data analysis, or related fields

How to Apply

If you are interested in developing a competitive MSCA PF application with us, please send the following documents:

• CV

• Cover letter outlining your research interests, motivation, and how your profile aligns with the proposed topic (1 page)

• Optional: Short writing sample or publication (max. 1 paper)

Selected candidates will receive dedicated support in proposal development, including mentoring, administrative help, and access to the ZHAW research support office.