100%, Zurich, fixed-term
In recent decades, the prevalence of drug-induced fatal car accidents has experienced a significant rise. For instance, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the US reports that 56% of injured or deceased road users tested positive for drugs, with cannabis being the most frequently detected substance at 25%. Given the ongoing global trend of cannabis legalization, there is an urgent need for measures to prevent an anticipated increase in such accidents.
In light of these challenges, we seek a passionate individual who is eager to make a meaningful impact. Our goal is to design, implement, and evaluate a cannabis-impaired driving detection and prevention system as part of the Revelio initiative. Building on prior studies that have garnered recognition, including the ETH medal and CHI Best Paper Award, we will undertake a real-world study in which subjects will be under the influence of cannabis while conducting a pre-driving test and a driving task on a designated test track. Subsequently, we will develop and evaluate a robust cannabis-driving detection model, both before and during driving. Ultimately, our aim is to create a scalable digital biomarker platform for in-vehicle driver state detection, contributing to the long-term objective of Vision Zero, which seeks to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries.
We are offering a Postdoctoral Researcher position at the Department of Management, Technology, and Economics (MTEC) at ETH Zürich within the Centre for Digital Health Interventions. You will lead the Revelio initiative and co-supervise two PhD students in close collaboration with Prof. Elgar Fleisch (ETH Zürich) and Prof. Felix Wortmann (University of St. Gallen). This project is funded for three years by the Swiss Road Safety Fund (Fonds für Verkehrssicherheit) and will be conducted in collaboration with Prof. Wolfgang Weinmann (Forensic Toxicology, University of Bern). The position is scheduled to commence on July 1st, 2025, with some flexibility regarding the start date. ETH Zürich provides a highly competitive salary and excellent working conditions.
As part of an interdisciplinary team that intersects applied machine learning, behavioral science, forensic toxicology, and automotive safety, you will be instrumental in developing robust, real-time models to detect and prevent impaired driving. Your contributions will be vital for integrating innovative in-vehicle sensing methods and AI-driven interventions into next-generation automotive systems. To ensure real-world applicability, your research must tackle critical challenges such as model generalization, adversarial robustness, and regulatory compliance, thereby fostering adoption among automotive manufacturers and stakeholders, including Swiss and international road safety authorities.
You will also participate in outreach activities to enhance community awareness of your work through conferences, workshops, keynotes, seminars, and social media engagement. Additionally, you will contribute to grant proposals, study protocols, and publications in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals (e.g., ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, Lancet Digital Health, npj Digital Medicine), alongside engaging in teaching activities.
We are looking for candidates with the following qualifications:
Join us at ETH Zurich, a leading institution that not only supports your professional development but also contributes actively to positive societal change. We are committed to sustainability and a climate-neutral campus. You can look forward to a host of benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing options, a variety of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare facilities, and attractive pension contributions.
Aligned with our values, ETH Zurich fosters an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and cultivate a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all staff and students. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and thrive.
If you are interested in this opportunity and would like to join a highly motivated, youthful team, we invite you to apply online using the form below. Please include the following documents:
Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Dr. Felix Wortmann ().
ETH Zurich is among the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. Known for our outstanding education, pioneering research, and the direct application of new knowledge in society, we attract over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries. Our university fosters independent thinking and an inspiring environment that drives excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we build connections worldwide to tackle today's and tomorrow's global challenges.
Location : Zürich
Country : Switzerland