The Professorship for Research on Learning and Instruction at ETH Zürich is offering a PhD position focused on educational approaches to misinformation. This opportunity is ideal for candidates interested in advancing evidence-based educational practices that address issues of societal relevance, particularly the pervasive challenge of misinformation in today's information environment. The research group has a strong track record in investigating the effects of training interventions that help individuals recognize misleading data visualizations and reduce their negative impact on information extraction. Recent projects have explored how pedagogical interventions can protect people from misinformation, and the group now aims to expand these efforts by examining the interaction between strengthening content knowledge and developing misinformation detection skills. The overarching goal is to enhance resilience to misinformation while maintaining the ability to assimilate trustworthy information. The PhD student will conduct controlled experiments combining quantitative and qualitative methods to investigate the impact of pedagogical interventions on misinformation resilience. Guidance will be provided throughout the research process, including support for publishing findings in academic journals and presenting at conferences. The start date for the position is flexible, allowing candidates to coordinate their transition. Applicants should hold a master's degree in psychology (with an emphasis in Cognitive or Educational Psychology preferred), Learning Sciences, Cognitive Science, or a related field. A strong understanding of experimental design and quantitative statistical analysis is essential, and prior research experience is advantageous. Candidates must be highly motivated, committed, and curious, with a demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team. Excellent proficiency in spoken and written English is required, and fluency in German is preferred. ETH Zürich offers excellent research infrastructure, supportive work conditions, and opportunities for developing your own research agenda and network. The university values diversity, sustainability, and an inclusive culture, promoting equality of opportunity and nurturing a respectful environment for all staff and students. ETH Zürich is renowned for its outstanding education, cutting-edge research, and commitment to addressing global challenges. For further information about the Professorship of Research on Learning and Instruction, candidates may contact Professor Dr. Martina Rau at [email protected]. Applications should be submitted via the ETH online portal in a single merged PDF document, including a letter of motivation, detailed CV, transcripts of all degrees, and names/contact information of three references. The application deadline is March 31, 2026, but applications will be reviewed immediately as they are submitted until the position is filled. Please note that applications sent by email or post will not be considered.

The Professorship for Research on Learning and Instruction at ETH Zürich is offering a postdoctoral fellowship focused on the use of large language models as digital twins for human learning. This innovative research group aims to discover evidence-based methods to improve educational practice, with a strong emphasis on generalizable principles and societal relevance. The position is part of an ongoing international project investigating how large language models can be constrained to mimic human cognitive processes and how learning interventions can be tested and optimized using these models. Digital twins, created through cognitive modeling, are particularly valuable when numerous learning interventions exist or when interventions carry risks, such as those associated with misinformation. Previous work in the group has demonstrated that interventions optimized for digital twins can translate into improved human learning outcomes. The current project extends this approach to large language models, offering new opportunities for cognitive science and educational psychology. The successful candidate will be expected to: (1) examine methods for constraining large language models to reflect established human cognitive processes; (2) test and refine learning interventions that modify model behavior; and (3) verify that these interventions benefit human learners. The postdoctoral researcher will also have the opportunity to develop their own research agenda within and beyond the project scope, publish in top-tier journals, and present at leading conferences. Additional responsibilities include contributing to the group’s teaching activities, specifically courses for ETH’s teacher training program (in German), co-mentoring PhD students, and mentoring research assistants. The lab provides a supportive environment with access to a research programmer, scientific writing support, and an international research network. Collaboration with the ETH AI Center further enhances opportunities for networking and professional development. Applicants must hold a PhD in Cognitive Science, Psychology, Learning Sciences, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field, with prior research experience and a strong publication record. Excellent command of English and German is required. The ideal candidate is highly motivated, committed, and eager to work in an interdisciplinary team. ETH Zürich offers excellent research infrastructure, supportive work conditions, and a welcoming academic environment that values diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. To apply, submit a single merged PDF via the ETH online portal, including a letter of motivation, CV with publication list, transcripts, references, and representative publications. Applications are reviewed immediately and accepted until the position is filled, with a formal deadline of March 31, 2026. For questions, contact Professor Dr. Martina Rau at [email protected]. Please note that applications sent by email or post will not be considered. ETH Zürich is renowned for its excellence in science and technology, fostering independent thinking and providing an inspiring environment for over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries. The university is committed to equality of opportunity, diversity, and sustainability, consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.