Student Research Assistant - Unity Frontend Developer / Student Research Assistant - Unity Frontend Developeress

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 focus lies in 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. Discover more about the Digital Einstein project here.

Project Background

Digital Einstein is an award-winning AI avatar platform that resurrects Albert Einstein as an interactive conversational agent. It features a Unity-based frontend integrated with speech recognition, real-time facial animations, and body movements. The platform has garnered attention at major international events. The backend is developed in Python, managing large language models for dialogue and response generation. We are expanding the platform with a new Digital Curie installation and are looking for a student assistant to enhance the Unity frontend for both avatars, with the potential 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
• Optional 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 outline 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 occasionally, including on weekends
• Knowledge of Python and/or large language models is a plus
• German language skills are a plus

Workplace

The role is based at ETH Zurich, known for its innovative research and vibrant academic atmosphere.

We Offer

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

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich champions an inclusive culture, promoting equality of opportunity and valuing diversity. We strive to create a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Our commitment to sustainability drives us toward a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

Apply online using the form below. We look forward to receiving your application by May 31 with the following documents:

• A short motivation letter (max. 1 page)
• Your current CV
• A brief portfolio or code sample demonstrating relevant work (e.g., GitHub link)

Further information about our research is available here. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Rafael Wampfler at rafael.wampfler@inf.ethz.ch (no applications). Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is a leading global university specializing in science and technology. We are recognized for our excellent education, groundbreaking research, and the direct application of new knowledge in society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university an inspiring place that promotes independent thinking and excellence. Situated in the heart of Europe while fostering connections globally, we collaborate to develop solutions for today's and tomorrow's challenges.