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) builds fully open-source systems aimed at transforming the way students learn and instructors teach. We focus on innovative tools such as chatbots, automatic problem generation, and automated feedback for handwritten exercises.

Project Background

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

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

You will work side by side with faculty, staff, and master's students across ETH and turn applied research ideas into production-quality code. Our processes are lightweight and agile: short goals, rapid iterations, direct contact with instructors and other stakeholders. All of our code is open and freely available under GNU-GPL.

Job Description

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

• Helping implement 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
• Interested in or familiar 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 stimulating and collaborative environment that fosters learning and innovation.

We Offer

• Practical experience on cutting-edge educational technology and AI
• Flexible and supportive working environment
• Direct mentorship from experienced software engineers and researchers
• Opportunity to contribute to impactful open-source projects

We Value Diversity

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. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below, which should include the following documents:

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

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

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. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.