PhD Candidate in Law

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

Within the framework of the SNSF-funded project 'Responsible AI for the Swiss Judiciary', we are investigating together with Swiss courts how artificial intelligence can be responsibly integrated into the judiciary.

Project Background

The PhD position is focused on the empirical study of AI-supported decision aids in the judiciary. The PhD candidate will examine the impact of such systems on judicial practice - through the design and implementation of field experiments in collaboration with Swiss courts as well as their legal and institutional evaluation.

Job Description

• Investigation of judicial decision-making processes and legal argumentation in interaction with AI tools
• Participation in the development of experimental designs and evaluation frameworks for AI-supported decision-making
• Collaboration with the technical team to research the interaction between AI systems and legal users
• Publication of research results in leading academic journals and presentation at international conferences
• The position is designed as a cumulative dissertation at the interface of law, computer science, and empirical social science
• Our offices are located in central Zurich
• The working languages are German and English.

Profile

• Excellent Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in law from a German-speaking university (Germany, Austria or Switzerland)
• A strong interest in the impact of AI on law and society
• Interest in field experiments and experimental research designs
• Willingness to learn and apply quantitative and empirical research methods
• Very good English skills; knowledge of German and French is an advantage

Workplace

We offer

• Your profession with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development but also actively contributes to positive changes in society
• You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport subscriptions and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by ASVZ, childcare, and attractive pension benefits

Diversity and sustainability are important to us

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Motivation letter (including details of your relevant experience for the mentioned project and your motivation)
• Curriculum vitae
• Certificates and transcripts

Further information about the Center for Law & Economics and the SNSF project can be found on the following websites: Center for Law & Economics and SNSF project. For enquiries, please contact Dr Jakob Merane, (jmerane@ethz.ch) (no application documents), who will be happy to assist you.

The PhD position is based at the chair of Prof Alexander Stremitzer.

Please apply exclusively via the online application portal. Applications by e-mail or post will not be considered.

ETH Zurich is one of the best technical and natural science universities in the world. We are known for our excellent teaching, pioneering fundamental research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find an environment with us that promotes independent thinking and a climate that inspires top performance. In the heart of Europe and globally networked, we develop solutions together for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.