PhD Position at the University of Zürich: Human-Centered Design of AI-Augmented Collaboration and Work — Universität Zürich

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Department of Informatics

Start of employment January 2027, temporary

The Human-Centered Information Systems Engineering (HISE) group at the University of Zurich, led by Prof. Dr. Eva Bittner conducts research on the design of socio-technical systems for knowledge-intensive work and human

• AI collaboration. HISE studies how information systems
• particularly AI-based systems
• can be designed to augment, extend, and responsibly orchestrate human collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving, rather than replace human intelligence. Our key research themes include:
• Human–machine collaboration and hybrid intelligence
• Socio-technical design of collaboration processes and tools
• AI-supported creativity, problem-solving, and decision-making

We offer

• A societally relevant research topic at the intersection of information systems, AI, and human-centered design, with real latitude to shape your own project
• Membership in a newly established, growing research group at a leading Swiss university, with the opportunity to help shape its research and culture
• Close mentorship and supervision by Prof. Dr. Eva Bittner
• Access to computational resources and empirical/experimental infrastructure needed for human-AI collaboration research
• Strong support for your professional and career development, including teaching mentorship
• Generous support for professional travel and research needs
• An attractive work environment: the University of Zurich is one of Switzerland's leading universities, located in a vibrant, cosmopolitan city that regularly ranks among the cities with the highest quality of life in the worlds

Your responsibilities

We are looking for an excellent candidate who wants to co-develop their doctoral project topic within HISE's agenda and project landscape. Together with Prof. Bittner, you will shape a doctoral project that fits your background, interests, and the group's research vision. Topic areas for the PhD position include, but are not limited to:

• Augmenting sensemaking and shared understanding in groupwork with AI
• Understanding socio-cognitive mechanisms in human-AI collaboration and designing IS toward balanced engagement (cognitive load, learning vs. deskilling,...)
• Leveraging agentic IS for human-centered work ; managing agentic workforces

The position includes teaching duties (e.g., supporting BSc/MSc courses related to information systems, human–AI collaboration, and socio-technical design). You will be mentored in developing your teaching skills alongside your research.

Your profile

You...

• Hold (or are close to completing) a master's degree in Information Systems (IS), Computer Science, Neuroscience, NeuroIS, Neuropsychology, or a related field with strong interest in information systems
• Demonstrate a strong interest in human-centered information systems design and human–AI collaboration
• Bring, or are eager to develop, methodological rigor in design-oriented, empirical, or experimental IS research; experience with NeuroIS methods (particularly EEG) is a plus but not required
• Are motivated to take an active role in shaping your own doctoral research agenda within the group's focus areas and aim at developing high quality IS publications
• Are fluent in English (written and spoken); at least intermediate German is expected, given the need to converse with students and project partners, with room to further develop language skills on the job
• You are a team player, work independently and communicate proactively; you enjoy working in and are willing to contribute to flourishing of a group that lives collaboration on a day to day basis.

What we offer

Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers. Find out more: https://www.uzh.ch/de/explore/work.html.

What we offer

Work-Life Balance

• Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
• Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH

More Learning and Development

• Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
• Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

Food

• Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
• Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

Healthcare

• Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
• Free seasonal flu vaccinations
• Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

Discounts

• Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
• Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions

Conditions of Employment

• Policies of the UZH
• Most UZH staff are employed according to public law

International Services

• Support for people from outside Switzerland

Campuses

• Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
• Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

Working at UZH

The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer! More