PhD position/ Doctoral Candidate - Navigating Safety-Security Interrelations and Related Human Factors in Critical Infrastructures (m/f/d) 100%
ETH Zürich
Zurich
Key information
- Publication date:17 October 2025
- Workload:100%
- Place of work:Zurich
Job summary
Join ETH Zurich as a PhD candidate exploring safety-security links.
Tasks
- Investigate human factors impacting critical infrastructures.
- Develop a co-analysis methodology for safety-security relations.
- Conduct interviews and focus groups for data collection.
Skills
- Master's degree in fields related to human-technology interaction.
- Experience in human-technology interaction is essential.
- Familiarity with (cyber) security concepts is ideal.
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PhD position/ Doctoral Candidate - Navigating Safety-Security Interrelations and Related Human Factors in Critical Infrastructures (m/f/d)
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
The Security, Privacy and Society Group led by Prof. Verena Zimmermann is an interdisciplinary research group at the Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (D-GESS) of ETH Zurich.
We are looking for doctoral candidates within a research project that investigates interrelations between safety and security in critical infrastructures. This includes, for example, a cyberattack on a hospital that affects patient safety. A special focus is on the analysis and utilization of human factors that contribute to integrative security, such as promoting collaboration between safety and security experts to address challenges and conflicts of objectives arising from interrelations between safety and security.
Project Background
We are looking for doctoral candidates to support us in a project with a duration of 3.5 years. The goals of the project are 1) the development and evaluation of a co-analysis methodology to identify interrelations between safety and security and 2) the quantification and comparison of interrelations between safety and security in critical infrastructures. Finally, the project aims 3) to develop and evaluate measures to improve "integrative security" that enable the joint consideration of safety, (cyber)security, and their interrelations.
The project is carried out in close collaboration with the research institute "Human in Complex Systems" led by Prof. Katrin Fischer at the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) and four partners from the critical infrastructure sector in Switzerland.
Job Description
The "Security, Privacy and Society" group researches the interface between humans and technology, focusing on human-computer interaction and the human aspects of (IT) security and privacy. Example research projects include supporting users in detecting phishing, developing collaboration between experts and AI for cybersecurity tasks, and exploring interrelations between safety and cybersecurity in critical infrastructures.
As a member of the group, you will contribute to the group's research activities, with a special focus on the project described above, and gradually build your research profile. You will work towards a doctoral degree and participate in the group's teaching and other activities.
Tasks for doctoral candidates within the project include
- Conducting expert interviews and focus groups,
- Identifying and classifying interrelations between safety and security,
- Developing and evaluating organizational measures for joint safety and security analysis,
- Analyzing the human contribution to integrative security,
- Developing and evaluating human-centered measures to improve integrative security.
Profile
We welcome highly motivated and curious applicants with a completed master's degree in disciplines related to the interaction between humans and technology. Relevant degrees include, among others, "Work and Organizational Psychology", "Engineering Psychology", "Human Factors Engineering", or "Human-Computer Interaction".
- You should already have experience in the field of human-technology interaction.
- Ideally, you are familiar with topics of (cyber)security, e.g., models for risk or threat analysis.
- Experience in designing and conducting empirical user studies (qualitative and/or quantitative) is a great advantage.
- You should have experience analyzing statistical data with programs such as Excel, SPSS, Python, or R.
- You should be fluent in German (spoken and written) to communicate with Swiss partners within the project, as well as in English (spoken and written).
- Additionally, you should be open to interdisciplinary teamwork, possess strong analytical and critical thinking skills, and show initiative, e.g., in developing new research ideas.
Workplace
Workplace
We Offer
We offer full-time doctoral positions with an initial duration of 18 months, with the option to extend the contract for the entire duration of your doctoral studies. The "Security, Privacy & Society" group offers a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment where you can shape your research profile and expand your skills through insights into related disciplines. Together, we address current challenges in security and privacy that affect people and society.
Diversity and Sustainability Are Important to Us
Curious? So Are We.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:
- Cover letter explaining your motivation to participate in the described project and your relevant expertise
- Curriculum vitae
- Copies of your degree certificates and corresponding grades
- Contact details of two referees
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Please note that we only accept complete applications submitted via our online application portal. Applications by email or post will not be considered.
The position is to be filled in spring 2026, with the start date to be agreed upon by both parties.
Questions about the position should be directed to verena.zimmermann@gess.ethz.ch (no applications). Further information about the group can be found on our website .
We would like to point out that the pre-selection is conducted by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.
