Student Research Assistant / Student Research Assistantess

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 discovering effective, evidence-based methods to enhance educational practice. We are seeking a talented student Research Assistant (RA) to lead the technical development of a web-based platform for educational research.

Project Background

The project involves investigating how Generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT) can be utilized to teach "problem decomposition" skills. As a student RA, you will build the web application that will serve as the interface for our lab experiments, working closely with a PhD student to turn research designs into a functional prototype. The compensation for this position is CHF 30.70 per hour, with a workload of up to 15 hours per week during the semester.

Job Description

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

Workload: Approximately 15 hours per week during the semester, with the possibility to increase hours during semester breaks (up to 40 hours/week).

Duration: We are looking for candidates who can initially commit to a 2-month trial period, with the potential for a longer engagement if the collaboration is successful. Preference will be given to individuals who can remain enrolled as students for at least one year, and potentially longer.

While we are currently focused on a specific project, we welcome the opportunity for collaboration beyond this initial scope.

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 have experience building web applications or possess full-stack development skills (including recreational or academic experience).
• You will be available to work in January and February 2026 as a trial period, with the possibility of extending the contract based on a successful collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications

• You are motivated 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 eager to learn, behavior experiment creation frameworks such as PsychoPy or jsPsych.
• You possess strong programming skills in HTML, JavaScript, and Python.
• You are encouraged to experiment with coding practices while being responsible for maintaining code quality control.

Workplace

Your work environment will be collaborative and supportive, allowing you the flexibility to balance work and academic responsibilities.

We Offer

• A unique opportunity to work with LLMs in an Educational Technology (EdTech) context.
• Practical experience in data collection and preparation for analysis and publication.
• A collaborative work environment with flexibility to accommodate your academic schedule, including study periods for exams.
• Membership in an interdisciplinary team that offers support and fosters a friendly learning atmosphere.
• An introduction to scientific research methods in education, including the relevant theories.

Diversity and Sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture, promoting equality of opportunity and valuing diversity. We strive to nurture a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we maintain a fair and open environment. Sustainability is a core value for us, and we are committed to achieving 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. For any questions related to the project or this position, feel free to contact Martina Vincoli at mvincoli@ethz.ch.

Apply online using the form below. Please ensure that you include a letter of motivation describing your qualifications and interest in the position, along with your CV, which should include your predicted graduation date.

We look forward to receiving your application by December 11, 2025, with the preferred start date as soon as possible. Please note that 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, renowned for exceptional education, cutting-edge research, and direct transfer of new knowledge to society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, ETH fosters an environment that promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we develop solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s global challenges.