PhD Position at the University of Zürich: Human-Centered Design of AI-Augmented Collaboration and Work

Department of Informatics

PhD Position at the University of Zürich: Human-Centered Design of AI-Augmented Collaboration and Work 100 %

Start of employment January 2027, temporary

The Human-Centered Information Systems Engineering (HISE) group at the University of Zurich, led by Prof. Dr. Eva Bittner conducts research on the design of socio-technical systems for knowledge-intensive work and human - AI collaboration. HISE studies how information systems - particularly AI-based systems - can be designed to augment, extend, and responsibly orchestrate human collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving, rather than replace human intelligence. Our key research themes include:

• Human–machine collaboration and hybrid intelligence
• Socio-technical design of collaboration processes and tools
• AI-supported creativity, problem-solving, and decision-making We offer:
• A societally relevant research topic at the intersection of information systems, AI, and human-centered design, with real latitude to shape your own project
• Membership in a newly established, growing research group at a leading Swiss university, with the opportunity to help shape its research and culture
• Close mentorship and supervision by Prof. Dr. Eva Bittner
• Access to computational resources and empirical/experimental infrastructure needed for human-AI collaboration research
• Strong support for your professional and career development, including teaching mentorship
• Generous support for professional travel and research needs
• An attractive work environment: the University of Zurich is one of Switzerland's leading universities, located in a vibrant, cosmopolitan city that regularly ranks among the cities with the highest quality of life in the worlds

Your responsibilities

We are looking for an excellent candidate who wants to co-develop their doctoral project topic within HISE's agenda and project landscape. Together with Prof. Bittner, you will shape a doctoral project that fits your background, interests, and the group's research vision. Topic areas for the PhD position include, but are not limited to:

• Augmenting sensemaking and shared understanding in groupwork with AI
• Understanding socio-cognitive mechanisms in human-AI collaboration and designing IS toward balanced engagement (cognitive load, learning vs. deskilling,...)
• Leveraging agentic IS for human-centered work ; managing agentic workforces The position includes teaching duties (e.g., supporting BSc/MSc courses related to information systems, human–AI collaboration, and socio-technical design). You will be mentored in developing your teaching skills alongside your research.

Your profile

You...

• Hold (or are close to completing) a master's degree in Information Systems (IS), Computer Science, Neuroscience, NeuroIS, Neuropsychology, or a related field with strong interest in information systems
• Demonstrate a strong interest in human-centered information systems design and human–AI collaboration
• Bring, or are eager to develop, methodological rigor in design-oriented, empirical, or experimental IS research; experience with NeuroIS methods (particularly EEG) is a plus but not required
• Are motivated to take an active role in shaping your own doctoral research agenda within the group's focus areas and aim at developing high quality IS publications
• Are fluent in English (written and spoken); at least intermediate German is expected, given the need to converse with students and project partners, with room to further develop language skills on the job
• You are a team player, work independently and communicate proactively; you enjoy working in and are willing to contribute to flourishing of a group that lives collaboration on a day to day basis.

Information on your application

To apply, please gather your curriculum vitae, short cover letter, list of publications, all grade transcripts, a list of at least three references, and your BSc/MSc theses as PDF files and send to eva.bittner@uzh.ch We will be evaluating applications on a rolling basis, so please apply as soon as possible. The University of Zurich is committed to enhancing the number of women in scientific positions and, therefore, particularly invites women to apply. Women who are as qualified for the position in question as male applicants will be given priority.

What we offer

Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers. Find out more: https://www.uzh.ch/de/explore/work.html.

What we offer

Work-Life Balance

• Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
• Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH

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Learning and Development

• Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
• Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

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Food

• Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
• Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

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Healthcare

• Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
• Free seasonal flu vaccinations
• Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

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Discounts

• Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
• Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions

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Conditions of Employment

• Policies of the UZH
• Most UZH staff are employed according to public law

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International Services

• Support for people from outside Switzerland

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Campuses

• Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
• Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

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Location

Department of Informatics

Binzmühlestrasse 11, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland

Further information

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Prof. Eva Bittner

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Working at UZH

The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!

More → https://www.uzh.ch/en/explore/work.html

Please apply via our job portal www.jobs.uzh.ch.

Working at UZH

The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer! More