PhD Position in Sustainable Real Estate and Buildings-sector Decarbonization

The research groups International Political Economy and Energy Policy (Prof. Aya Kachi) and Financial Management (Prof. Pascal Gantenbein) at the Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Basel, invite applications for a joint PhD position focused on empirical analysis of emissions, policy, and financial dynamics in the buildings and construction sector.

The PhD position focuses on empirical research on sustainability transitions in the built environment across countries, with a strong emphasis on macro-level data and policy relevance. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop original research agenda within this framework, including topics such as sectoral emissions trajectories, the effectiveness of building-related policies, and the role of financial conditions in shaping decarbonization outcomes. The position emphasizes rigorous data analysis and aims to generate concrete empirical insights at the intersection of real estate economics, political economy, and sustainable finance.

The position is available starting around November 2026 (flexible start possible upon agreement). The initial contract is for one year. Upon successful proposal defense during the first year, the position is typically extended for an additional three years.

Your position

Your tasks include:

• Conduct empirical research on buildings-sector emissions, policy, and finance.
• Data analysis using R and/or Python.
• Write empirical research papers and present results at leading international conferences.
• Interact with industry partners and public administration.
• Provide content and administrative support for teaching, including the continuing education program CAS Sustainable Real Estate and the undergraduate course Sustainable Real Estate: Principles and Practices.

Your profile

PhD applicants must possess a Master's degree in economics, political science (quant), finance (empirical), public policy, or a related quantitative social science field. Candidates should have a strong academic record, solid training in quantitative methods, and the ability to work respectfully and constructively in collaborative research environments.

We are looking for candidates with:

• Strong analytical thinking skills and the ability to develop independent research ideas and logical arguments.
• Strong data analysis skills and experience working with empirical datasets.
• Proficiency in R and/or Python for statistical analysis and reproducible workflows.
• Interest in empirical research and academic publishing.
• Strong interest in the buildings and construction sector, sustainability, public policy, and transition finance.
• Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams.

Excellent communication skills and fluency in English (spoken and written) are required.

We offer you

The position will be based in Basel, Switzerland. We offer:

• Close supervision in an interdisciplinary research environment (policy, finance, real estate).
• Supervision by professors with a strong track record in mentoring and recognized teaching excellence.
• Funding to attend domestic and international conferences according to our regulations.
• Competitive salary and excellent working conditions.

Application / Contact

If you are interested in the position, please submit the following in a single PDF file via the University's e-recruitment system:

• Short motivation statement
• Curriculum vitae
• Transcripts of bachelor's and master's degree
• At least two reference letters
• Master's thesis or another writing sample in English

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
For questions regarding the content of the position, please contact Prof. Kachi at aya.kachi@unibas.ch.

Apply