Postdoctoral Researcher / Scientific Collaborator: Social Production Satellite Account for Switzerland

The University of Zurich seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to develop Switzerland’s first social production satellite account within the national statistical office, blending official statistics with frontier research.

This position is embedded within the National Accounts Division of the Federal Statistical Office while being employed by the University of Zurich Healthy Longevity Centre. The role focuses on establishing a new statistical product that bridges academic inquiry and official data systems, aiming to produce reproducible estimates for social production in Switzerland.

Responsibilities

• Adapt the existing social production methodology to align with ESA 2010 standards, ensuring the underlying approach remains intact while meeting reporting requirements.
• Map social production categories against available SAKE data to evaluate coverage and identify gaps in currently unmeasured areas.
• Compile and analyze relevant Swiss data sources to generate the initial estimates for the pilot account.
• Develop the account into a documented, reproducible statistical product that can be regularly updated by Switzerland or other nations adopting this framework.
• Co-author research papers and policy reports, including a joint publication on social production in Switzerland.
• Prepare a methodological report outlining options to expand category coverage, providing recommendations for Switzerland and a generalizable model for other national statistical offices.
• Collaborate in person within the National Accounts Division and liaise with various FSO units to clarify definitions, derivations, and methodological questions.
• Maintain workflows and documentation that adhere to the standards of official statistics.

Requirements

• A PhD in economics, applied statistics, a quantitative social science, or data science.
• Knowledge of national accounts concepts and conventions, particularly ESA 2010, with experience in satellite accounting being advantageous.
• Proven ability to process survey and time-use microdata.
• Strong expertise in time-series and index methods, including constant-price adjustments.
• A translational research mindset, with the ability to work across academic teams and statistical offices while communicating effectively with policy stakeholders.
• Working proficiency in German or French, along with English.

Nice to have

• Prior experience with time-use surveys or unpaid-work modules within labor force surveys.
• A systems-oriented perspective on demographic shifts, the care economy, fiscal sustainability, and the relationship between market and non-market production.
• Background experience working in or with a statistical office or in national accounts.
• A track record of peer-reviewed publications and technical reporting.

What the company offers

• Specialized training in the social production accounting method provided by the University of Sydney's Mental Wealth Initiative.
• Co-supervision support from three partner institutions and access to an international research and policy network focused on aging, health, and economic measurement.
• Employment under University of Zurich terms, with compensation determined by UZH and Canton of Zurich guidelines for postdoctoral researchers.
• A defined three-year timeframe to deliver a program of work with direct policy relevance.

About the company

The University of Zurich stands as Switzerland's largest university, employing approximately 10,000 individuals. It provides an inspiring work environment dedicated to cutting-edge research and top-tier education.

• The institution is Switzerland's largest university with a workforce of around 10,000 employees.
• The environment fosters cutting-edge research and high-quality education.