University of Zürich Academia Junior

PhD Position at the University of Zürich: Human-Centered Design of AI-Augmented Collaboration and Work

CHF 50'000 – 70'000 / year
ZÜRICH AI-JobTitleAgentic AI

Department of Informatics

PhD Position at the University of Zürich: Human-Centered Design of AI-Augmented Collaboration and Work 100 %
Start of employment January 2027, temporary

The Human-Centered Information Systems Engineering (HISE) group at the University of Zurich, led by Prof. Dr. Eva Bittner conducts research on the design of socio-technical systems for knowledge-intensive work and human - AI collaboration. 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

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 worlds

Your responsibilities

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.

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.

Your profile

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.

Information on your application

To apply, please gather your curriculum vitae, short cover letter, list of publications, all grade transcripts, a list of at least three references, and your BSc/MSc theses as PDF files and send to eva.bittner@uzh.ch

We will be evaluating applications on a rolling basis, so please apply as soon as possible.

What we offer

Work-Life Balance

  • Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
  • Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH

Learning and Development

  • Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
  • Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

Food

  • Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
  • Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

Healthcare

  • Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
  • Free seasonal flu vaccinations
  • Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

Discounts

  • Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
  • Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions

Location

Department of Informatics
Binzmühlestrasse 11, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland

Further information

Questions about the job
Prof. Eva Bittner
Contact Form

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