Student Research Assistant / Student Research Assistante

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 focuses on lifelike digital humans powered by large language models, affective computing, and real-time rendering, showcased at high-profile events such as the World Economic Forum, Berlin Science Week, and GITEX. You can 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 been showcased at major international events. The backend is implemented in Python, orchestrating large language models for dialogue management and response generation. We are currently extending the platform to a new Digital Curie installation, and as our team expands, we are looking for a student assistant primarily to help maintain and further develop the Unity frontend for both avatars, with the option to contribute to the Python/LLM backend.

Job Description

• Frontend maintenance and feature development in Unity for the Digital Einstein and Digital Curie avatar platforms
• Integration and testing of UI components, interaction flows, and real-time rendering elements
• Optionally, support on the Python/LLM backend (dialogue systems, model integration)
• On-site support at events and demonstrations (setup, visitor interaction, troubleshooting)
• Weekly team meetings (1-2 hours) to discuss progress and plan next steps
• Workload: 15 hours/week during 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)
• Interest in interactive systems or AI-driven applications
• Reliable, proactive, and comfortable working independently as well as in a team
• Willingness to provide on-site event support on occasion, including weekends
• Knowledge of Python and/or large language models is a plus
• German language skills are a plus

Workplace

The successful candidate will be part of a collaborative and international team at ETH Zurich's Computer Graphics Laboratory, working in a high-profile research environment focused on real-time graphics, large language models, and affective computing.

We Offer

• Hands-on experience with a high-profile AI avatar platform showcased at international events (e.g., World Economic Forum, GITEX)
• Exposure to a cutting-edge research environment
• Regular 1-on-1 mentoring and weekly team meetings
• Start date: 1 July 2026

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture where equality of opportunity is paramount. We value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all. Sustainability is also a core value; we are continuously working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.