2026 PhD Fellowship Programme

At the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), our mission is to support central banks' pursuit of monetary and financial stability through international cooperation, and to act as a bank for central banks.

The PhD Fellowship Programme at the BIS gives you the opportunity to contribute to BIS economic research and analysis, working with expert economists and research analysts in a unique environment in Basel, Switzerland.

BIS research draws strength from our unique position as a platform for international cooperation to promote monetary and financial stability, leveraging our close contacts with the central banking and financial supervisory community. This programme helps you acquire practical experience in supporting central banks and other financial authorities through policy-oriented research.

Given our modest size we can easily collaborate and exchange ideas with colleagues in different units and managers at different levels. You will enjoy exposure to ideas and projects beyond your immediate speciality and will play a valuable part in supporting the central bank community.

This role is based in Basel, Switzerland however, thanks to our status as an international organization, we can hire globally and welcome applications from candidates of all nationalities and located anywhere in the world. Relocation support is available for the successful candidate.

Duration: three months

Start date: between April 2026-December 2026

By joining the PhD Fellowship Programme, you will:

• contribute to BIS research projects on topical issues in economics and finance, including in particular financial intermediation and regulation, financial innovation and digitisation, monetary policy, fiscal policy, international finance and international spill overs.
• work in a highly stimulating, international environment providing exposure to a wide range of topics.
• be embedded in the Monetary and Economic Department with regular interaction with staff and first-hand insight into BIS research and policy work.
• have access to BIS research activities, including to seminar series and to visiting research fellows from leading academic institutions.
• benefit from working in a unique, international environment that offers flexible, hybrid working options with a blend of onsite work from our central office location in Basel and home office.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• Enrolment in a PhD programme (preferably in 3rd-4th year) in economics, finance or related fields.
• Expertise in conducting research in the fields of financial, macro and monetary economics.
• Ability to apply tools (such as Python, MATLAB, Stata, EViews,  etc.) typically used in economic analysis to a range of topics.
• Familiarity with major financial/monetary databases would be beneficial

Who we are:

The Bank for International Settlements is a diverse organization with colleagues from over 60 countries. By joining us, you will work in a unique, highly rewarding, and international work environment. We truly value diversity and inclusion and want to reflect the world we serve.  We want the best people to work for us in an inclusive environment so welcome applications from all qualified candidates. At the BIS, we value equality and diversity in all its forms, including those with a breadth of professional experience. One way we support diversity and inclusion is through our staff-run networks. You can discover more about diversity at the BIS here.

What we offer

We want your time at BIS to be a rewarding and career-enriching experience. We offer an agile and flexible working environment with hybrid working opportunities including home office and working from abroad days. To support our international applicants, we offer relocation support as well as accommodation during your stay. In addition, we offer a competitive compensation and health insurance coverage. Finally, we offer a genuinely unique international working environment, which will give you exposure to the global financial system and the opportunity to collaborate with passionate experts from all over the world.

Please note that a one-year cooldown period applies after completing your assignment with the BIS, this means you would not be able to rejoin the BIS for a year after completing your assignment.

Application process: To apply please submit your CV (in English). Please also provide your answer to the application form questions by 23:59 CET on Monday 24 November 2025.