Student Assistant - GenAI-R&D for Future-Proof Teaching / Student Assistantess - 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 building fully open-source systems that aim to transform both the way students learn and how instructors teach. Our focus lies in developing innovative tools such as chatbots, automatic problem generation, and automated feedback for handwritten exercises.

Project Background

Following successful support for 2,000 students per semester through the first-generation Ethel ecosystem, we are now scaling EthelFlow (agent-based core) and EthelApp (front-end for desktop & mobile) to cater to 20,000 students across a diverse range of STEM courses. The platform integrates large language and vision models with symbolic math, statistical tools, and agent-based human-in-the-loop workflow management. This drives functionalities such as course-specific chatbots, automatic practice-problem generation, feedback on handwritten or code exercises, and assistance in grading handwritten exams. You will be collaborating closely with faculty, staff, and Master's students across ETH, turning applied research ideas into production-quality code.

Our processes are designed to be lightweight and agile, characterized by short-term goals, rapid iterations, and direct interaction with instructors and stakeholders. All of our code is openly available under the GNU-GPL license.

Job Description

As a Student Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting our team in the development and enhancement of educational software. Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting in implementing new features using React and TypeScript.
• Contributing to Python-based agent pipelines.
• Testing tools for recognizing handwritten math, diagrams, or code.
• Supporting us in maintaining clear documentation.
• Contributing to our open-source community by reviewing code submissions.

Profile

We are looking for candidates who meet the following criteria:

• You are a student enrolled at ETH or a Swiss University.
• Basic experience with React and TypeScript.
• Familiarity with Python.
• Comfortable working on Linux systems.
• Interested in or familiar with Docker (training will be provided).
• Good communication skills in English.
• Curiosity and a 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

Join us in a flexible and supportive working environment, with the opportunity to gain practical experience in cutting-edge educational technology and AI.

We Offer

• Practical experience with advanced educational technology and AI.
• A flexible and supportive working environment.
• Direct mentorship from experienced software engineers and researchers.
• The chance to contribute to impactful open-source projects.

We Value Diversity

In alignment with our core values, ETH Zurich is committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture an environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to thrive.

Curious? So Are We.

Apply online using the form below.

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

For further inquiries regarding the position, please contact Dr. Gerd Kortemeyer at kgerd@ethz.ch (no applications).

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of knowledge into society, we welcome over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries. Our university fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence, forging connections worldwide to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.