Research Associate & PhD Position in Political Science focusing on Climate Action in Banks (m/w/d)
Your tasks
- Examine banks' financing of energy-sector firms using statistical methods.
- Conduct in-depth literature reviews on the role of civil society and transnational initiatives (e.g., Net-Zero Banking Alliance, Principles for Responsible Banking) in sustainable finance.
- Conceptualize and conduct interviews with decision-makers from the public and private sector.
- Assume ownership of critical data processes (e.g., preparation, matching, deduplication, and cleaning) to ensure high-quality datasets.
- Support the team in writing and publishing papers in high-ranked scientific journals.
- Participate in and help organize academic workshops, conferences, and presentations to disseminate research findings.
- Engage actively in departmental activities.
Your profile
- Master's degree (completed or near completion) in Political Science, Public Policy, International Affairs, or a related field.
- Interest in the intersection of finance and environmental issues.
- Curiosity about the role of NGOs, environmental activism, and industry self-regulation in climate governance.
- Interest in developing and implementing sound research designs.
- Proven skills in quantitative and/or qualitative research methods.
- Strong data management skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively in a dynamic and interdisciplinary team.
- Excellent command of written and spoken English (see below for required documents). Proficiency in additional languages is an advantage.
Application deadline: August 3, 2025.
Job talks will be held on August 6-7, 2025.
Please submit the following documents online:
- Cover Letter (max. 2 pages) detailing your research interests, motivation for joining this project, and how your background aligns with the position.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting your education, research experience, and relevant skills.
- Writing sample (e.g, seminar paper, Master's thesis).
- Copies of your grade transcripts (Bachelor's and Master's) and certificates.
- Evidence of linguistic proficiency: English as native tongue OR Recognized Master's degree completed entirely in English OR Linguistic proficiency at level C1 (CEFR) gained at the University of St.Gallen OR recognized language diploma at level C1 (CEFR), such as the IELTS Academic Score 7.0, Cambridge Advanced Certificate OR TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) with at least 100 points (You need to state the University of St. Gallen's institution code when taking the test: 7202).
Important: The successful candidate will be part of the Ph.D. program in International Affairs and Political Economy (DIA). Mandatory courses of the DIA program start in September 2025.
Inspirational Work Environment
Executive Education
Network
Family & Career
Equal Opportunities
Fit and Healthy
Inspirational Work Environment
At the HSG, as Europe's leading business university, we operate in an entrepreneurial environment where you will meet highly qualified, ambitious experts - both regionally and internationally. For example, you benefit from a modern IT infrastructure and, in our library via HSGswisscovery, from nationwide access to the wealth of scientific information available.
Executive Education
We support internal and external executive education opportunities. Our internal executive education programme offers you a practical, dedicated and didactically mature transfer of knowledge in the form of seminars, e-learning, coaching and collegial advice. We support task-specific external training and executive education financially as well as with regard to the time required.
Network
We promote our culture of cross-functional collaboration and create space for forging valuable relationships - also with external partners. Regular exchanges and internal events help to strengthen these relationships and make them long-lasting.
Family & Career
We provide our employees with flexible work time models with a variable number of hours per week. As a family-friendly employer, we offer part-time positions, 16 weeks of maternity leave and a subsidised crèche, as well as support with childcare during the vacations.
Equal Opportunities
The University enables equal opportunities for all employees and students. This applies to degree courses and work, as well as academic careers, university management positions and the reconciliation of studies, work and private commitments. We are committed to this with various measures in the areas of teaching, research, administration and the Presidency.
Fit and Healthy
We help you stay fit and healthy. In addition to our diverse range of sports activities at the university, most of which are free of charge, and campaign weeks for corporate health management, we also offer you fruit in the workplace. In our canteen you will find a wide selection of freshly prepared meals - from vegetarian to fish dishes - at discounted prices.
Further information on working at the HSG can be found here.
For job-related questions
Are you passionate about conducting scientifically rigorous and socially relevant research at the intersetion of politics and climate finance? If so, we look forward to meeting you soon!
The Department of Political Science offers an inspiring and collegial working environment. You will find plenty of support for your research and your doctoral thesis!
Your place of work
University of St.Gallen
«A place where knowledge is created» - As one of Europe's leading universities of economics and business administration, the University of St.Gallen (HSG), Switzerland, is committed to the education of over 9800 students. The HSG is one of the largest employers in the region and provides an attractive and innovative environment for more than 3300 researchers, educators and professional staff.
