Student Assistant - GenAI-R&D for Future-Proof Teaching / Student Assistant - GenAI-R&D for Future-Proof Teaching

Student Assistant - GenAI-R&D for Future-Proof Teaching

20%-30%, Zurich, fixed-term

The GenAI-R&D for Future-Proof Teaching group at the ETH AI Center (Zürich-Oerlikon) is dedicated to developing fully open-source systems that transform the learning experience for students and teaching methodologies for instructors. We focus on innovative tools such as chatbots, automatic problem generation, and automated feedback for handwritten exercises.

Project Background

After successfully supporting 2,000 students per semester with the first-generation Ethel ecosystem, we are scaling EthelFlow (agent-based core) and EthelApp (front-end for desktop & mobile) to accommodate 20,000 students across a diverse range of STEM courses. The platform integrates large language and vision models with symbolic math and statistical tools, along with agent-based human-in-the-loop workflow management to enable:

• Course-specific chatbots
• Automatic practice-problem generation
• Feedback on handwritten or code exercises
• Assistance in grading handwritten exams

You will collaborate closely with faculty, staff, and master's students across ETH, translating applied research ideas into production-quality code. Our agile processes involve short goals, rapid iterations, and direct communication with instructors and other stakeholders. All our code is open and freely available under the GNU-GPL license.

Job Description

As a student assistant, you will assist our team in developing and enhancing educational software. Your responsibilities will include:

• Implementing new features using React and TypeScript
• Assisting with Python-based agent pipelines
• Testing tools for recognizing handwritten math, diagrams, or code
• Maintaining clear documentation
• Contributing to our open-source community by reviewing code contributions

Profile

• You are a student enrolled at ETH or in a Swiss university
• Basic experience with React and TypeScript
• Familiarity with Python
• Comfortable working on Linux systems
• Interest in or familiarity with Docker (training provided)
• Good communication skills in English
• Curiosity and willingness to learn new technologies
• Experience with Git
• Availability to work on-site at the ETH AI Center in Zürich-Oerlikon approximately half a day per week

Nice to Have

• Interest in educational technology
• Familiarity with LaTeX

Workplace

The ETH AI Center offers a flexible and supportive working environment, encouraging collaboration and innovation.

We Offer

• Practical experience in cutting-edge educational technology and AI
• Direct mentorship from experienced software engineers and researchers
• Opportunities to contribute to impactful open-source projects

We Value Diversity

In line with our core values, ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture. We champion equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we foster a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and excel.

Curious? So Are We!

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

• CV
• A short motivation statement explaining your interest in this role

Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is among the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are recognized for our exceptional education, pioneering research, and the effective transfer of new knowledge into society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university fosters independent thinking and an inspiring environment that encourages excellence. Situated in the heart of Europe, we forge connections globally to develop solutions for today's and tomorrow's challenges.