PhD Student in Applied ML and NLP ETH Zürich in Switzerland

This PhD position at ETH Zürich is part of the SNSF-funded project “Responsible AI for the Swiss Judiciary,” focusing on the development and evaluation of AI-based prototypes to support judicial decision-making. The project is conducted in close collaboration with courts and partners across Switzerland, offering a unique opportunity to work on impactful, real-world AI systems in the legal domain. The research combines machine learning, natural language processing, and empirical evaluation, aiming to create robust, deployable AI tools for legal text processing and decision support.

The doctoral researcher will be responsible for developing and implementing AI systems for legal applications, including large language models (LLMs), retrieval-augmented generation, and agentic systems. Tasks include building production-quality prototypes for pilot deployment in judicial settings, designing systematic evaluations of model performance and reliability, constructing datasets and benchmarks, and improving model architectures and prompting strategies for high-stakes environments. The role also involves conducting pilot evaluations with judicial partners and publishing research results in leading venues in artificial intelligence and computational social science.

Applicants should have strong ML/NLP fundamentals and hands-on engineering skills, with a master’s degree in computer science, data science, or a closely related field. Experience with LLMs, information retrieval, evaluation of ML systems, and deploying applications is highly desirable. Excellent command of English is required, and German language skills are a plus. The position is designed for a cumulative PhD with a strong methodological and technical focus, and the working languages are German and English.

ETH Zürich offers numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing, sports facilities, childcare, and attractive pension benefits. The university values diversity, sustainability, and an inclusive culture, promoting equality of opportunity and a climate-neutral future. The offices are located in downtown Zurich, providing a vibrant academic environment.

To apply, submit your application online via the ETH Zurich application portal, including a cover letter, CV, and transcripts. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. For questions regarding the position, contact Dr. Jakob Merane ([email protected]). Further information about the Center for Law & Economics is available on the ETH Zurich website.

ETH Zurich is renowned for its excellence in science and technology, fostering independent thinking and providing an environment that inspires academic and professional growth. The university is committed to developing solutions for global challenges and actively contributes to positive societal change.