The Center for AI Value at ETH Zurich, headed by PD Dr. Sebastian Tillmanns and part of the Technology Marketing Group (Prof. Dr. Florian von Wangenheim), is inviting applications for a PhD position in multimodal artificial intelligence. We are looking for an exceptional candidate to join our dynamic research team in developing next-generation AI solutions that combine visual, textual, and temporal data for management applications. Recently awarded several major grants, our center is at the forefront of bridging sophisticated AI research with practical business applications. The position offers the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research leading to publications in premier international journals and conferences, with a flexible start date.

At the Center for AI Value, we are pioneering the application of multimodal AI in management research. Our work bridges the gap between cutting-edge AI technology and practical business applications through sophisticated transformer-based architectures that combine visual, textual, and temporal data. The center maintains state-of-the-art AI infrastructure and collaborates extensively with industry partners, providing unique opportunities for impactful research.

As a PhD candidate at the Center for AI Value, you will engage in groundbreaking research aimed at advancing the field of multimodal AI in management. Your primary focus will be conducting innovative research that leads to publications in top-tier international journals and conferences. This research will involve developing and implementing sophisticated transformer-based architectures for processing multimodal business data, with a particular emphasis on creating novel approaches for combining vision, text, and temporal data in management contexts.

In addition to your core research activities, you will have the opportunity to gain valuable academic experience by assisting in teaching activities within the Technology Marketing Group. This teaching experience, combined with participation in administrative tasks, will help develop your academic profile and prepare you for a future academic career.

Your role will also involve active collaboration with our industry partners, allowing you to bridge theoretical advances with practical applications. You will present your research findings at international conferences and contribute to the center's ongoing research projects and grant applications. Through these activities, you will not only advance your own research agenda but also contribute to the center's mission of bridging cutting-edge AI research with practical business applications.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or a related technical field with strong foundations in machine learning
• OR Master's degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, or other quantitative discipline
• Solid programming skills
• Fluency in both spoken and written English is mandatory

Ideal Qualifications

• Experience with deep learning frameworks (such as JAX/PyTorch/TensorFlow)
• Strong background in modern AI architectures, especially transformers and multimodal models
• Experience with computer vision and natural language processing
• Experience with large-scale model training and deployment
• Knowledge of business/management research

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to relocate to Zurich or its surroundings
• Ability to work independently and as part of an international research team

• Opportunity to conduct research at one of Europe's leading technical universities
• Access to state-of-the-art AI infrastructure and computing resources
• Competitive salary according to ETH standards
• Collaborative research environment with leading experts in AI and management
• Opportunities to engage with industry partners and real-world applications
• Funding up to six years

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.

Please submit your application including:

• Detailed CV
• Motivation letter highlighting your technical AI experience and research interests
• Bachelor's  and Master's transcripts and diplomas
• Code samples or links to GitHub repositories (if available)

Applications should be submitted through the ETH hiring portal. Further information about the Center for AI Value can be found on our website. For questions regarding the position, please contact PD Dr. Sebastian Tillmanns ([email protected]) (no applications).

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.