PostDoc Position at the Chair of Technology Marketing
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher/project lead for a cross-border research project funded by SNSF and DFG's WEAVE scheme on Virtual Reality. This project will be jointly hosted at ETH Zurich (Chair of Technology Marketing; Prof. Dr. Florian von Wangenheim, Dr. Thomas Scheurer) and the TUM Campus Munich (Professorship of Marketing & Technology; Prof. Dr. David Finken). This is a senior researcher/project lead role ideal for someone ready to merge independent scholarship with scientific leadership and teamwork in an ambitious, international environment.
Project Background
The SNF & DFG funded project investigates how people perceive time and space in immersive virtual environments. This interdisciplinary approach draws from psychology, technology, and human-computer interaction. We welcome candidates with a strong interest in fundamental research and, ideally, prior experience in VR research. The project duration is set for three years, with an earliest starting date of October 2026.
Job Description
- Work directly with the Principal Investigators at ETH Zurich and TUM to develop the research agenda, refine study designs, and propel the project towards top-tier publications.
- Collaborate closely with two Ph.D. researchers: one at ETH Zurich (focused on VR development) and one at TUM (focusing on behavioral and psychology), coordinating shared studies and integrating their work into joint papers.
- Provide daily scientific mentorship, assisting the doctoral researchers with experimental design, analysis, and manuscript development.
Profile
We are looking for candidates who meet several of the following criteria:
- A completed (or soon-to-be-completed) Ph.D. in human-computer interaction, psychology, (quantitative) marketing, information systems, or a closely related field.
- A strong trajectory toward publishing in leading international journals.
- Demonstrated interest and, ideally, experience in VR research, particularly regarding the perception of time and space in virtual environments.
- Strong quantitative skills (R, Python, or Stata; experience with machine learning or advanced experimental methods is a plus).
- Familiarity with VR-related toolkits (e.g., Unity, Unreal, or eye tracking) is advantageous for coordinating the project's technical aspects, though deep engineering expertise is not required.
- Collaboration and mentoring skills; you enjoy working across disciplines and locations and supporting junior researchers, student assistants, or master's students.
- Professional proficiency in English and strong communication skills.
- German language skills are a plus but not required.
Your Responsibilities Include
- Leading and co-authoring rigorous research, aiming for publication in prestigious international journals.
- Designing, coordinating, and analyzing VR-based experiments across ETH and TUM sites.
- Mentoring and coordinating the two doctoral researchers, aligning their individual projects with the joint research agenda.
- Collaborating with international co-authors and industry partners, representing the project at conferences.
- Potentially contributing to continuous follow-up grants.
We Offer
- A collaborative working environment at the Chair of Technology Marketing.
- Contract & compensation: a fixed-term postdoctoral position (100%) based at ETH Zurich, remunerated according to ETH Zurich / SNF postdoctoral salary scales.
- Research profile: the potential to enhance your academic profile and establish yourself as a promising scholar in the academic community.
- Development: access to external opportunities for continuous quantitative training (e.g., GSERM St. Gallen/Lugano, ICPSR at the University of Michigan) and support for research stays in Germany or abroad (e.g., Amsterdam, Münster).
- Environment: a leadership role within interdisciplinary teams and collaboration with top international partners (e.g., ESADE, ETH Zurich, Oxford, Yonsei), with the autonomy to shape a high-visibility research program.
We Value Diversity and Sustainability
In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Sustainability is a core value for us— we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.
Curious? So Are We.
We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below. Please submit the following documents in a single PDF file:
- A cover letter stating your motivation, research vision, and prior experience in VR (preferably in the perception of time and space).
- CV including a publication list/working papers.
- Two academic references.
For more information about our Department, please visit our website. Questions regarding the position can be directed to Thomas Scheurer at thomas.scheurer@mtec.ethz.ch (no applications).
About ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. More than 30,000 people from over 120 countries find our university to be a place that encourages independent thinking and fosters excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we forge connections worldwide to develop solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s global challenges.