PhD Student in Law / PhD Student in Law

PhD Student in Law

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

As part of the SNSF-funded project "Responsible AI for the Swiss Judiciary," we are exploring real-world applications of artificial intelligence for the Swiss judiciary in close collaboration with courts and partners across Switzerland. We are seeking a dedicated PhD Student in Law. This doctoral position offers a unique opportunity to study judicial decision-making within a real-world institutional framework, merging legal analysis with experimental and empirical approaches.

Job Description

The doctoral researcher will investigate the role of AI in judicial decision-making, focusing on legal reasoning, behavioral responses, and institutional implications.

Core responsibilities include:

• Studying judicial decision-making and legal reasoning in the presence of AI tools
• Contributing to the development of experimental designs and evaluation frameworks for AI-assisted decision-making
• Collaborating with the technical team to examine the interaction between AI systems and legal users
• Publishing research findings in leading journals and presenting at international conferences
• Completing a cumulative PhD at the intersection of law, computer science, and empirical social science
• Working in our downtown Zurich offices, with German and English as the working languages

Profile

We are looking for candidates who:

• Hold an excellent bachelor's and master's degree in law from a Swiss university
• Demonstrate a strong interest in judicial decision-making and legal reasoning
• Are eager to engage in interdisciplinary research at the crossroads of law, AI, and social science
• Are motivated to utilize quantitative empirical methods and are willing to acquire skills in experimental and quantitative research
• Exhibit excellent command of English; proficiency in German and/or French is a plus

We Offer

• Your role will have a significant impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, an institution committed to supporting your professional development while contributing to positive societal change
• You can expect numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare, and attractive pension benefits

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In alignment with our values, ETH Zurich fosters an inclusive culture. We promote equal opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a work and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity webpage to learn how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to thrive. Sustainability is a core principle for us, and we are continually working toward a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

If you are interested in this opportunity, apply online using the form below. Please ensure your application includes the following documents:

• Cover letter (detailing your relevant experience and motivation for the project)
• CV
• Transcripts

For further information about the Center for Law & Economics, please visit our website. Questions regarding the position can be directed to Dr. Jakob Merane at jmerane@ethz.ch (please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered).

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are recognized for our exceptional education, groundbreaking fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. With more than 30,000 individuals from over 120 countries, our university fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence. Centrally located in Europe yet globally connected, we collaborate to develop solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s global challenges.