Doctoral Researcher (PhD Position) in Conversational AI for Customer and Employee Interactions
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
The Technology Marketing Group, established by Florian von Wangenheim in 2013, is a pioneering research group at ETH Zurich. We delve into the intersection of marketing, technology, and societal impact. Together with our associated centres and labs, we investigate how to effectively market innovative offerings and explore how emerging technologies are reshaping the relationship between organizations and their stakeholders.
Project Background
This PhD position presents an exciting opportunity to collaborate with two centres within our Chair, focusing on applied research that is managerially relevant:
- The Mobiliar Lab for Analytics: This initiative develops and tests digital interactions utilizing emerging technologies and artificial intelligence. Our mission is to balance the potential benefits of these technologies with their inherent challenges. Our research combines insights from data science, behavioural science, and computer science, using data from both real-world and experimental contexts.
- The Centre for AI Value: This centre is dedicated to identifying and implementing AI applications that generate economic value. It bridges academic AI research with practical business applications, with a focus on customer service, multimodal data modeling, and process automation.
Job Description
We are seeking a doctoral researcher who possesses both technical expertise in conversational AI and knowledge of its effective deployment. The ideal candidate will bring skills in data analytics (such as machine learning, statistics, and econometrics) as well as insights from behavioural sciences (including experimental design and survey research). Proficiency in software engineering—specifically REST API development, SQL/NoSQL databases, cloud deployment (AWS/Azure/GCP), and Docker—is highly desirable.
The successful applicant will embrace flexibility in responding to emerging opportunities with industry partners and demonstrate strong motivation to drive projects forward, collaborating across Switzerland.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Conducting managerially relevant research using data and technology.
- Collaborating with experts and industry partners.
- Presenting findings at international conferences.
- Publishing in leading scientific journals in Marketing and Information Systems.
- Engaging with the public to communicate research findings.
- Providing teaching support and supervision within the Chair of Technology Marketing, D-MTEC.
Profile
Essential Requirements:
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
- Master’s degree that integrates managerial knowledge and technical skills, such as AI Systems and Engineering Management, Business Analytics, Quantitative Marketing, or Applied Artificial Intelligence.
- Strong domain knowledge in Conversational AI.
- A keen interest in the intersection of technology and management.
- Proficiency in all stages of quantitative data analysis using tools like Python or R.
- Capability to lead research meetings with project partners and network effectively in Switzerland.
- Highly organized with exceptional project management skills.
- A collaborative spirit to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team.
Desirable Requirements:
- Fluency or native-level proficiency in German.
- Experience in implementing Conversational AI in managerial contexts.
- Familiarity with transformer models and mixed methods research.
- Software engineering skills (e.g., REST API development, SQL/NoSQL databases, cloud deployment (AWS/Azure/GCP), Docker).
- Experience in research and/or academia.
Workplace
Your workplace will be at ETH Zurich, a leading institution committed to advancing science and technology. We foster an inclusive culture that values diversity and promotes a supportive learning environment.
We Offer
- A job with impact: Join ETH Zurich, where your professional development is supported and positively contributes to societal change.
- Numerous benefits including public transport season tickets, car-sharing options, a wide array of sports activities offered by ASVZ, childcare services, and attractive pension plans.
Please apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
About ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich is recognized globally as a powerhouse in science and technology education. Renowned for its excellence in research and its commitment to applying new knowledge for societal benefit, ETH Zurich brings together over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries. Situated at the heart of Europe, we collaborate globally to tackle today's and tomorrow's challenges.