Open PhD Position: Human-Centered Design of AI-Augmented Collaboration and Work
The Human-Centered Information Systems Engineering (HISE) group at the University of Zurich, led by Prof. Dr. Eva Bittner, is seeking a PhD candidate to join our team and contribute to our research on the design of socio-technical systems for knowledge-intensive work and human–AI collaboration.
About the Position
We are looking for an excellent candidate who wants to co-develop their doctoral project topic within HISE's agenda and project landscape. Together with Prof. Bittner, you will shape a doctoral project that fits your background, interests, and the group's research vision.
HISE studies how information systems — particularly AI-based systems — can be designed to augment, extend, and responsibly orchestrate human collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving, rather than replace human intelligence. Our key research themes include:
- Human–machine collaboration and hybrid intelligence
- Socio-technical design of collaboration processes and tools
- AI-supported creativity, problem-solving, and decision-making
Topic areas for the PhD position include, but are not limited to:
- Augmenting sensemaking and shared understanding in groupwork with AI
- Understanding socio-cognitive mechanisms in human-AI collaboration and designing IS toward balanced engagement (cognitive load, learning vs. deskilling,…)
- Leveraging agentic IS for human-centered work ; managing agentic workforces
The position includes teaching duties (e.g., supporting BSc/MSc courses related to information systems, human–AI collaboration, and socio-technical design). You will be mentored in developing your teaching skills alongside your research.
What We Offer
- A societally relevant research topic at the intersection of information systems, AI, and human-centered design, with real latitude to shape your own project
- Membership in a newly established, growing research group at a leading Swiss university, with the opportunity to help shape its research and culture
- Close mentorship and supervision by Prof. Dr. Eva Bittner
- Access to computational resources and empirical/experimental infrastructure needed for human-AI collaboration research
- Strong support for your professional and career development, including teaching mentorship
- Generous support for professional travel and research needs
- An attractive work environment: the University of Zurich is one of Switzerland's leading universities, located in a vibrant, cosmopolitan city that regularly ranks among the cities with the highest quality of life in the world
Who We Are Looking For. You…
- Hold (or are close to completing) a master's degree in Information Systems (IS), Computer Science, Neuroscience, NeuroIS, Neuropsychology, or a related field with strong interest in information systems
- Demonstrate a strong interest in human-centered information systems design and human–AI collaboration
- Bring, or are eager to develop, methodological rigor in design-oriented, empirical, or experimental IS research; experience with NeuroIS methods (particularly EEG) is a plus but not required
- Are motivated to take an active role in shaping your own doctoral research agenda within the group's focus areas and aim at developing high quality IS publications
- Are fluent in English (written and spoken); at least intermediate German is expected, given the need to converse with students and project partners, with room to further develop language skills on the job
- You are a team player, work independently and communicate proactively; you enjoy working in and are willing to contribute to flourishing of a group that lives collaboration on a day to day basis.
Start Date
The ideal start date is January 2027; some flexibility is possible for the right candidate.
Application Process
We evaluate applications on a rolling basis. Please apply as soon as possible. A pre-selection deadline is set for September 30th.
To apply, please gather your curriculum vitae, cover letter, grade transcripts, a list of references with contact details (e.g., supervisors, mentors, or employers), and your BSc/MSc theses as PDF files, and submit them to eva.bittner@uzh.ch.
Questions about the position can be directed to Prof. Dr. Eva Bittner (eva.bittner@uzh.ch).
Diversity and Inclusion
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.