PhD Researcher in AI-Powered Cognitive Health Assessment and Support ETH Zürich in Switzerland

The Singapore-ETH Centre, established by ETH Zurich and Singapore’s National Research Foundation, is a leading hub for interdisciplinary research in urban sustainability, resilience, and health. As ETH Zurich’s only research centre outside Switzerland, it fosters collaboration across diverse disciplines and regions, focusing on practical solutions to global challenges. The centre’s Future Health Technologies (FHT) programme, now in its second phase (FHT2), brings together experts in psychology, neuroscience, computer science, engineering, and clinical practice to develop next-generation digital health solutions.

This PhD position is part of the Monitoring and Supporting Cognitive Health in the Community project, which aims to develop and deploy an AI-powered mobile platform for assessing, monitoring, and supporting cognitive health during real-world navigation. The platform integrates cognitive and navigation assessments, smartphone sensor data, and AI-driven conversational agents to detect early signs of cognitive impairment, deliver personalised support, and promote ageing in place. The project is closely aligned with Singapore’s Healthier SG and Action Plan for Successful Ageing, ensuring clear pathways for translation and impact through partnerships with local organisations.

The successful candidate will join a highly multidisciplinary team spanning the Singapore-ETH Centre, National University of Singapore, and Nanyang Technological University. Responsibilities include contributing to empirical studies in community and clinical settings, supporting data collection and analysis across behavioural, cognitive, sensor-based, and conversational modalities, and assisting in the iterative development and validation of the AI-powered mobile platform. The role also involves preparing ethics applications, study protocols, and research documentation, as well as engaging in scientific writing and presenting research findings at national and international venues.

Applicants must have a Master’s degree (or be near completion) in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Human-Computer Interaction, or a closely related field. Essential skills include strong technical expertise in machine learning and deep learning, proficiency with Large Language Models (LLMs), and practical experience processing multimodal data (sensor, audio, video). Solid programming skills and the ability to implement and evaluate AI systems using real-world data are required. Experience or interest in navigation research, spatial cognition, or related cognitive domains is desirable, as is familiarity with mobile app development for Android and iOS. Knowledge of Large Geospatial Models (LGMs) or geospatial data processing is advantageous. Prior exposure to interdisciplinary research environments, especially those involving psychology, neuroscience, or clinical applications, is valued. Candidates must demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, excellent written and spoken English, and the capacity to work collaboratively within an international, multidisciplinary team.

The position offers comprehensive healthcare insurance, annual dental benefits, 25 days of annual leave, 1 day of birthday leave, flexible hybrid work arrangements, and abundant networking opportunities. The Singapore-ETH Centre is an equal opportunity and family-friendly employer, committed to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. All candidates are evaluated on their merits and qualifications, regardless of gender, race, age, or religion.

Applications must be submitted online via the ETH Zurich application portal, including a cover letter, CV with references, and university transcripts. For further information, contact Dr. Rafael Wampfler (ETH Zurich) at [email protected]. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

ETH Zurich is renowned for its excellence in science and technology education, cutting-edge research, and global impact. The university values diversity, sustainability, and independent thinking, providing an inspiring environment for over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries.