PhD Student in Law – Responsible AI for the Swiss Judiciary ETH Zürich in Switzerland

This PhD position in Law at ETH Zürich is part of the SNSF-funded project “Responsible AI for the Swiss Judiciary.” The project offers a unique opportunity to study judicial decision-making in a real-world institutional setting, combining legal analysis with experimental and empirical methods. The doctoral researcher will focus on the role of artificial intelligence in judicial decision-making, emphasizing legal reasoning, behavioral responses, and institutional implications. Core responsibilities include studying judicial decision-making and legal reasoning in the presence of AI tools, contributing to the development of experimental designs and evaluation frameworks for AI-assisted decision-making, collaborating with the technical team to study the interaction between AI systems and legal users, and publishing research findings in leading journals and presenting at international conferences.

The position is designed for a cumulative PhD at the intersection of law, computer science, and empirical social science. Offices are located in downtown Zurich, 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 and sustainability, promoting equality of opportunity and nurturing a fair and open environment for all staff and students. Sustainability is a core value, with ongoing efforts toward a climate-neutral future.

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

To apply, submit your application online via the ETH Zurich application portal, including a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and motivation, CV, and transcripts. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. For questions about the position, contact Dr. Jakob Merane (no applications by email). Further information about the Center for Law & Economics can be found on the ETH Zürich website.

ETH Zürich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology, renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find ETH Zürich to be a place that promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. The university is located in the heart of Europe and works together to develop solutions for global challenges.