ETH AI Center Doctoral Fellowship 2023

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The ETH AI Center promotes trustworthy, accessible, and inclusive AI systems. For this goal, we bring together interdisciplinary research teams of AI foundations, applications, and implications across all departments and look at AI from many different angles like mathematical principles, medicine, architecture, robotics, and social sciences/future of work. We enable research of high quality, industry innovation, and AI entrepreneurship. 

The ETH AI Center faculty comprises over 110 professorships representing all sixteen departments of ETH Zurich and five external research groups (from the University of Zurich and the University of St.Gallen). The ETH AI Center Fellowship program is one of Europe’s premier PhD programs focused on advancing interdisciplinary AI research. This can be inside AI foundations or between AI foundations and application areas. Fellows work with two excellent PIs  who are from different fields and carry equal weights in the supervision.

Job description

Within the doctoral fellowship program, you will conduct research that impacts the future of AI. You will be working on your project (that you will propose) and continuously have the opportunity to exchange with other teams and professorships, participate at faculty retreats, symposia, summits etc. Fellows have their primary office at the ETH AI Center and enjoy excellent employment conditions. The centre offers plenty of opportunities to strengthen your career path through an optional entrepreneurial or industry track that provides you with valuable hands-on experience to turn your research into practical impact.

Your profile

• you are expected to have completed or be close to completing a Master’s degree in computer science, machine learning, statistics, physics, engineering, applied mathematics, or other relevant fields or are close to completion.
• you have an excellent track record and must meet the general admission requirements for a doctorate at ETH Zurich (available at https://www.ethz.ch/en/doctorate.html ).
• your level of English allows you to discuss your topics with your colleagues and report your findings in writing.
• you look forward to working with an interdisciplinary team that longs to find solutions together.

Your workplace

Your workplace

We offer

We offer 5 - 8 doctoral positions and the occupation normally runs for three years. For Fellows with good progress, it can be extended for a maximum of one year to complete the doctoral thesis (decision to be taken by the ETH AI Center Doctoral Selection Committee, without additional interviews). Starting date is flexible. 

• Transparent salary: CHF 70,300 in the first year, CHF 75,300 in the second year, and CHF 80,320 in the third year. The advancements are automatic. 
• Co-mentorship by two excellent PIs  from different fields
• training and continuing education activities and language courses
• services and offerings to support work and family life 

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We value diversity

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our

Equal Opportunities and Diversity website

to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Curious? So are we.

Before applying, please read carefully our guidelines: ETH AI Center Doctoral Fellowship Guidelines (PDF)  and visit our FAQs .

The deadline for applications is November 30, 2022. Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.