PhD Student in Law

100%, Zurich, Fixed-Term

As part of the SNSF-funded project "Responsible AI for the Swiss Judiciary," we are engaged in real-world applications of artificial intelligence to enhance the Swiss judiciary, collaborating closely with courts and partners throughout Switzerland. We are currently seeking a PhD Student in Law. This doctoral position at ETH Zurich offers a distinctive opportunity to examine judicial decision-making within a genuine institutional context, merging legal analysis with experimental and empirical methodologies.

Job Description

The doctoral researcher will delve into the role of AI in judicial decision-making, concentrating on legal reasoning, behavioral responses, and institutional ramifications.

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 investigate the interaction between AI systems and legal users.
• Publishing research findings in leading journals and presenting at international conferences.
• The position is designed for a cumulative PhD at the intersection of law, computer science, and empirical social science.
• Our offices are situated in downtown Zurich, 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.
• Possess a strong interest in judicial decision-making and legal reasoning.
• Are eager to engage in 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.
• Have an excellent command of English; proficiency in German and/or French is an advantage.

Workplace

Work alongside a dynamic team dedicated to advancing knowledge at the crossroads of law and technology.

We Offer

• Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, an institution that not only supports your professional development but also actively contributes to positive societal changes.
• You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets, car sharing, a wide array of sports activities offered by ASVZ, childcare services, and attractive pension benefits.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In alignment with our values, ETH Zurich fosters an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity and value diversity, nurturing a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all staff and students. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to understand how we ensure a fair and open environment that enables everyone to thrive. Sustainability is a core principle for us, as we consistently work towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We!

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is among the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are recognized for our exceptional education, pioneering research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries choose ETH Zurich as a place that fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence. Positioned in the heart of Europe, we forge connections globally to develop solutions for today's and tomorrow's challenges.