Publisher
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ETH Zürich

PhD Student in Law ETH Zürich in Switzerland

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

Available

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Country

Switzerland

University

ETH Zürich

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Keywords

Computer Science
Artificial Intelligence
Law
Statistics
ML

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About this position

ETH Zürich is offering a fully research-oriented PhD position in law within the SNSF-funded project Responsible AI for the Swiss Judiciary. The project studies real-world applications of artificial intelligence for the Swiss judiciary in close collaboration with courts and partners across Switzerland, offering a rare opportunity to examine how AI affects judicial decision-making in an institutional setting.

The doctoral researcher will focus on the role of AI in judicial decision-making, with particular attention to legal reasoning, behavioral responses, and broader institutional implications. The position combines legal analysis with experimental and empirical methods and is designed as a cumulative PhD at the intersection of law, computer science, and empirical social science.

Typical work includes studying judicial reasoning in the presence of AI tools, helping develop experimental designs and evaluation frameworks for AI-assisted decision-making, collaborating with the technical team on interactions between AI systems and legal users, and publishing findings in leading journals and presenting at international conferences. The working languages are German and English, and the offices are located in downtown Zurich.

Applicants should have an excellent bachelor’s and master’s degree in law from a Swiss university, a strong interest in judicial decision-making and legal reasoning, and the motivation to work with quantitative empirical methods while learning experimental and quantitative research skills. Excellent English is required; German and/or French are considered an advantage.

The position is based at ETH Zurich, one of Europe’s leading universities, and includes the institution’s broader employment benefits and supportive research environment. The application process is online only, and candidates must submit a cover letter, CV, and transcripts. Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Jakob Merane at [email protected], with no applications accepted by email.

Funding details

Available

What's required

Candidates should hold an excellent bachelor’s and master’s degree in law from a Swiss university. Applicants should have a strong interest in judicial decision-making and legal reasoning, be interested in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of law, AI, and social science, and be motivated to work with quantitative empirical methods while willing to acquire skills in experimental and quantitative research. An excellent command of English is required; German and/or French language skills are a plus.

How to apply

Apply online through the ETH Zurich application portal only. Submit a cover letter describing your relevant experience and motivation, a CV, and transcripts. Do not apply by email or postal mail.

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