Student Research Assistant / Student Research Assistant

Student Research Assistant - Unity Frontend Development for Digital Einstein

10%-30% | Zurich | Fixed-term

The Digital Character AI team at ETH Zurich's Computer Graphics Laboratory is seeking a Student Research Assistant to support the frontend development of our interactive AI avatar platforms. Our work revolves around creating lifelike digital humans powered by large language models, affective computing, and real-time rendering, showcased at prestigious events such as the World Economic Forum, Berlin Science Week, and GITEX. Learn more about the Digital Einstein project here.

Project Background

Digital Einstein is an award-winning AI avatar platform that brings Albert Einstein to life as an interactive conversational agent. Built on a Unity-based frontend integrated with speech recognition and real-time facial and body animations, it has made appearances at major international events. The backend, implemented in Python, orchestrates large language models for effective dialogue management and response generation. We are currently extending the platform to the new Digital Curie installation. As our team expands, we are looking for a motivated student assistant to primarily maintain and further develop the Unity frontend for both avatars, with the potential to contribute to the Python/LLM backend as well.

Job Description

• Maintain and develop new features in Unity for the Digital Einstein and Digital Curie avatar platforms.
• Integrate and test UI components, interaction flows, and real-time rendering elements.
• Optionally support the Python/LLM backend (dialogue systems, model integration).
• Provide on-site support at events and demonstrations (setup, visitor interaction, troubleshooting).
• Participate in weekly team meetings (1-2 hours) to discuss progress and plan next steps.
• Workload: 15 hours/week during the semester, up to 41 hours/week during semester breaks (flexible).

Profile

• Enrolled student at ETH Zurich or another Swiss university.
• Strong hands-on experience with Unity (required).
• Genuine interest in interactive systems or AI-driven applications.
• Reliable, proactive, and capable of working independently as well as in a team.
• Willingness to provide on-site event support occasionally, including weekends.
• Knowledge of Python and/or large language models is a plus.
• German language skills are a plus.

Workplace

The role will be based at ETH Zurich's Computer Graphics Laboratory, a dynamic environment that promotes collaboration and innovation.

We Offer

• Hands-on experience with a high-profile AI avatar platform showcased at international events (World Economic Forum, GITEX, and more).
• Exposure to a cutting-edge research environment focused on real-time graphics, large language models, and affective computing.
• Regular one-on-one mentoring and weekly team meetings.
• A collaborative international team at ETH Zurich's Computer Graphics Laboratory.
• Start date: 1 July 2026.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture, encouraging equality of opportunity and valuing diversity. We nurture a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Sustainability is a core value; we consistently work towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We!

Apply online using the form below. 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 research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we strive together to develop solutions for today's and tomorrow's global challenges.