Research Assistant / Research Assistant

Research Assistants (Access to Justice)

Location: Zurich, fixed-term (10%-30%)

The Law, Economics, and Data Science research group at ETH Zurich, led by Prof. Elliott Ash, is seeking highly motivated research assistants with a keen interest in legal technology, artificial intelligence, and access to justice. This position provides an opportunity to engage in pioneering research focused on how AI can enhance access to legal information and services.

As a research assistant, you will collaborate closely with faculty members and researchers on projects that explore legal datasets, judicial decisions, legislation, and innovative AI tools for legal analysis. You will join an interdisciplinary team at ETH Zurich that operates at the crossroads of law, data science, and public policy.

Job Description

As a student research assistant, your responsibilities will include:

• Gathering, organizing, and digitizing legal materials from legislative, judicial, and archival sources
• Collecting and curating datasets of statutes, regulations, court decisions, and legal scholarship
• Conducting legal and policy research using both traditional and technology-assisted methods
• Preparing annotated bibliographies, literature reviews, research memoranda, and concise summaries
• Supporting the evaluation and validation of AI systems used for legal research and analysis
• Assisting with data quality assurance, annotation, and documentation for empirical research projects
• Collaborating with researchers from law, economics, computer science, and related disciplines

Depending on your experience and interests, you may have further opportunities to engage in empirical legal studies, legal data engineering, and the development of AI tools for legal applications.

Profile

We invite applications from advanced law students, preferably in the latter stages of a Bachelor's degree or enrolled in a Master's program. Candidates should have a genuine interest in legal research and a curiosity about how new technologies are reshaping legal practice and access to justice. You should enjoy working independently and as part of collaborative projects.

Ideal candidates will have:

• Strong academic performance in legal studies
• Excellent legal research and writing skills
• Attention to detail and ability to handle complex legal materials with care
• A proactive attitude
• An interest in legal technology, empirical legal research, artificial intelligence, or access-to-justice issues
• Strong organizational skills and reliability in managing research tasks
• Fluency in German and English
• Previous research experience is advantageous but not mandatory

Workplace

The research assistants will work in a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment at one of Europe’s leading universities.

We Offer

• The chance to contribute to innovative research in law, artificial intelligence, and access to justice
• Collaborative opportunities with a diverse, international research team
• Exposure to empirical legal research methods, legal data analysis, and emerging AI technologies
• Flexible working arrangements that align with your academic studies
• Competitive compensation in accordance with ETH Zurich standards
• Access to an impactful workplace where you can drive positive change in society
• A variety of benefits including public transport season tickets, car sharing, and a wide range of sports offered

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture and values diversity and equality. We are committed to creating a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all staff and students. Sustainability is a core value, and we are actively pursuing a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below. Please include:

• Cover letter (detailing your relevant experience and interest)
• CV
• Transcripts

For further information about the Center for Law & Economics, please visit our website. For questions regarding the position, contact Julia Coll Cardona at julia.collcardona@gess.ethz.ch (no applications).

Note: Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is a premier global university specializing in science and technology. Renowned for exceptional education and fundamental research, we are dedicated to transferring new knowledge into society. With over 30,000 students from more than 120 countries, our university fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence. Positioned in the heart of Europe, we collaborate globally to develop solutions for contemporary challenges.