Jobs - Open Positions

The Dynamic and Distributed Information Systems (DDIS) Group at the University of Zurich is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate interested in human-centered AI and human-AI collaboration.

In a world increasingly shaped by intelligent (AI) systems, a central challenge is ensuring that human-AI interactions are not only enhancing overall performance, but do so while respecting people's well-being, autonomy or oversight, and meaningful outcomes for individuals and society. This PhD position focuses on research that explores how people interact with AI systems and how AI systems are perceived by individuals or groups.

The project is aligned with DDIS’s broader research agenda on responsible information systems, while extending it toward human-AI interaction in applications such as news recommendation, complex decision scenarios, and group deliberation. In the tradition of our group, we encourage applications seeking to explore both the technical and behavioural dimensions of human-AI interactions. 

What we offer:

• A societally relevant research topic at the intersection of AI and human-computer interaction (HCI)
• Access and means to experimental research infrastructure and support for large-scale user studies
• A diverse and multi-disciplinary research group of highly motivated colleagues who are passionate about topics at the intersection of computer science, AI, and social science 
• Strong support for your professional/career development 
• Attractive work environment both within the research group and beyond: the University of Zurich is one of Switzerland's leading universities in the middle of a vibrant, cosmopolitan city that regularly ranks as one of the cities with the highest quality of life in the world
• Generous support for professional travel and research needs 

We are looking for candidates who…

• Hold (or are close to completing) a master’s degree in computer science, HCI, Data Science, Cognitive Science, Psychology, or a related field
• Demonstrate a strong interest in the field of HCI, including the design and execution of user studies
• Have experience with statistical analysis and empirical research methods
• Demonstrate programming proficiency to develop and maintain experimental infrastructures and process data

Previous experience in the field of human-computer interaction, or recommender systems, for example, having conducted user studies with AI systems, is considered a plus but not strictly necessary.

To apply, please gather your curriculum vitae, cover letter, all grade transcripts, a list of at least three references, and your BSc/MSc theses as PDF files and go to https://www.apply.dsi.uzh.ch/position/51445760

We will be evaluating applications on a rolling basis, so please apply as soon as possible. The University of Zurich is committed to enhancing the number of women in scientific positions and, therefore, particularly invites women to apply. Women who are as qualified for the position in question as male applicants will be given priority.