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 developing real-world applications of artificial intelligence for the Swiss judiciary. This initiative is carried out in close cooperation 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, integrating legal analysis with experimental and empirical methods.

Job Description

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

Core Responsibilities:

• Investigating 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 explore the interaction between AI systems and legal practitioners
• Publishing research findings in leading journals and presenting at international conferences
• Engaging in a cumulative PhD program that bridges law, computer science, and empirical social science
• Our offices are located in downtown Zurich, and the working languages are German and English

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 enthusiastic about interdisciplinary research at the intersection of law, AI, and social science
• Are motivated to work with quantitative empirical methods and are willing to acquire skills in experimental and quantitative research
• Possess an excellent command of English; knowledge of German and/or French is an advantage

Workplace

Your work environment will be at ETH Zurich, a leading institution in science and technology dedicated to supporting your professional growth while contributing positively to society.

We Offer

• Your job with impact: Join ETH Zurich, where you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich fosters an inclusive culture, promoting equality of opportunity and appreciating diversity. We strive to create an environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. For more information, please visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website. Sustainability is also at our core; we are committed to working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We invite you to Apply online using the form below.

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, recognized for its outstanding education, cutting-edge research, and effective transfer of innovative knowledge to society. More than 30,000 individuals from over 120 countries consider ETH Zurich a place that fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence. Situated in the heart of Europe, we are committed to addressing global challenges through collaborative efforts.