Student Research Assistant in Computer Science Education Research (Web Developer) / Student Research Assistantess in Computer Science Education Research (Web Developer)

Student Research Assistantship Position on Computer Science Education Research (Web Developer)

10%-30%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Professorship for Research on Learning and Instruction at ETH Zurich is dedicated to uncovering effective, evidence-based strategies to enhance educational practices. We are seeking a talented Student Research Assistant (RA) to spearhead the technical development of a web-based platform for educational research.

Project Background

The student RA will contribute to a project focused on investigating how Generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT) can be utilized to teach "problem decomposition" skills. Your role will involve building the web application that serves as the interface for our lab experiments. Collaborating closely with a PhD student, you will transform research designs into a functional prototype. Compensation for this position is CHF 30.70 per hour, with an average workload of up to 15 hours per week during the semester.

Job Description

• Full-Stack Development: Develop a web application from the ground up to facilitate educational tasks, integrating it with educational frameworks.
• AI Integration: Incorporate popular AI frameworks (e.g., OpenAI, Gemini, etc.) into the application for AI-assisted user interaction.
• Experiment Design: Experience with, or a willingness to learn new frameworks for creating experiments and studies (e.g., jsPsych and PsychoPy), including building the full-stack pipeline.
• Collaboration: Refine the prototype based on pilot testing and feedback from the research team.

Workload: Approximately 15 hours per week on average during the semester, with the possibility of extended working hours during semester breaks (up to 40 hours/week).

Duration: We are looking for candidates who can initially commit to this position for 2 months as a trial period, with the potential for an extended engagement if collaboration proves successful. Preference will be given to individuals who can remain enrolled as students for at least one year.

Profile

• You are fluent in English (native or C1/C2 level).
• You are currently a university student in Zurich, Switzerland (in any field) and will remain enrolled for at least a year.
• You possess prior experience in building web applications or have knowledge of full-stack development (either recreationally or through university coursework).
• You will be available to work in January and February 2026 as a trial period, with the possibility of extending the contract if the collaboration is successful.

Preferred Qualifications

• You are eager to learn about research methods in learning sciences and educational research.
• You are preferably studying Computer Science or a related field.
• You have an interest in Learning Sciences or Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).
• You are familiar with or willing to learn a behavior experiment creation framework, such as PsychoPy or jsPsych.
• You have strong programming skills in HTML, JavaScript, and Python.
• You are encouraged to experiment with coding while maintaining a commitment to code quality control.

We Offer

• A unique opportunity to work with LLMs in an Educational Technology (EdTech) context.
• Hands-on experience with data collection and preparation for analysis and publication.
• A collaborative work environment with flexible hours designed to suit your academic schedule, including study periods for exams.
• Membership in an interdisciplinary team that provides support and fosters a friendly learning atmosphere.
• An introduction to scientific research in education, its methods, and theories.

Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich prioritizes an inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity, values diversity, and nurtures a working environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Our commitment to sustainability is unwavering as we work towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

For more information about the Professorship of Research on Learning and Instruction and the research lab, please reach out with any questions related to the project or this position. You can apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

We look forward to receiving your online application by December 11, 2025. The preferred start date is as soon as possible.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for our outstanding education, pioneering research, and direct transfer of knowledge to society, we attract over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries. Our institution fosters independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Situated in the heart of Europe, we collaborate globally to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.