Doctoral Position at the Chair of Technology Marketing (Virtual Reality) ETH Zürich in Switzerland

ETH Zurich is recruiting a doctoral researcher for a cross-border, funded project on Virtual Reality jointly hosted by ETH Zurich and TUM Campus Munich under SNSF/DFG’s WEAVE scheme. This announcement refers to Position A at the Chair of Technology Marketing at ETH Zurich, with a technology and VR development focus. The complementary project partner position at TUM centers on behavioral and psychology aspects.

The project investigates how people perceive time and space in immersive virtual environments, bringing together psychology, technology, and human–computer interaction. The doctoral researcher will work closely with the principal investigators to shape the research agenda, refine study designs, and contribute to publications in leading international journals. The role combines hands-on development of immersive VR environments and experimental apparatus with rigorous academic research.

Applicants should ideally have prior experience in VR research and a strong interest in fundamental research. Position A is particularly well suited to backgrounds such as human–computer interaction, game engineering, or media informatics. The successful candidate should be willing to learn and apply core psychological concepts, show strong quantitative and programming skills, and demonstrate initiative and an entrepreneurial mindset. Expected tools and skills include R, Python, or Stata, and practical experience with a VR engine such as Unity or Unreal; familiarity with OpenXR, Blender, or similar tools is an advantage.

The position offers a 3-year doctoral contract at standard doctoral rates (SNSF rates at ETH Zurich). Doctoral training opportunities include access to programs at ETH Zurich and TUM, with additional quantitative training possibilities and potential research stays in Germany or abroad. The team environment is interdisciplinary and international, with collaborations mentioned with partners such as ESADE, Oxford, and Yonsei.

Applicants should hold an excellent master’s degree aligned with the profile, have strong motivation for research on immersive virtual environments, and be able to work professionally in English; German or Swiss German is a plus. To apply, submit a single PDF containing a cover letter, VR experience details, CV, transcript of records, master’s thesis if available, and two references. Applications must be submitted via the ETH Zurich online portal only.

The position is based at ETH Zurich in Zurich, Switzerland. Questions about the role should be directed to Thomas Scheurer at [email protected].