Position Summary

Position:

PhD

Department:

Mobiliar Lab for Analytics

Institute:

ETH Zurich

Country:

Switzerland

Research Field:

Engineering Management, Business Analytics, Quantitative Marketing, Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Posted Date:

Mar 23, 2026

Deadline:

open until filled

Offer Period:

NA

Offer Start Date:

as soon as possible

PhD Position in Conversational AI for Customer and Employee Interactions

Description:

During your PhD, you will examine how conversational AI can be deployed effectively to frontline service interactions with customers or as a support tool for employees. Projects will explore success factors in designing and deploying Conversational AI. This could include, for example, varying technical foundations (e.g., prompt engineering, fine-tuning, model architecture and retrieval strategies), the usage context (e.g., routine vs. special services), or unique individual level factors (e.g., personality profile, AI literacy) to ensure Conversational AI is optimised for its deployment context and contributes to excellent customer service and workplace efficiency. Research output will therefore have clear managerial relevance. Research activities will involve analysis of primary and secondary data, in both controlled and field settings. The successful candidate will shape projects and research questions within this overarching scope, whilst working alongside closely industry partners and reacting to emergent research opportunities.

We are currently seeking a doctoral researcher with both technical knowledge and skills related to the technical foundations of conversational AI as well as domain knowledge on how and why it can be deployed effectively. You should have knowledge and skills in both data analytics (e.g., machine learning, statistics, econometrics) and behavioural sciences (e.g., experimental design, survey research, application/development of managerially relevant theory). Software engineering skills (e.g., REST API development, SQL/NoSQL databases, cloud deployment (AWS/Azure/GCP), Docker) are also very welcome. You will need to be highly flexible and responsive to emerging opportunities with partners from industry. The candidate should be highly motivated to drive projects forward, as well as network across Switzerland.

Using data and technology to conduct managerially relevant research

Collaborating with experts and industry partners

Attending international conferences to share your work

Publishing in top scientific journals in Marketing and Information Systems fields (e.g., Journal of Marketing, Marketing Science, Management Information Systems Quarterly, Information

Systems Research, Decision Support Systems etc.).

Communicating and engaging with the public

Teaching support and supervision under the umbrella of the Chair of Technology Marketing, D-MTEC

Required Qualification:

Essential Qualification:

Excellent written and oral communication skills in English

Master’s degree that blends managerial knowhow and technical skills: e.g., AI Systems and Engineering Management, Business Analytics, Quantitative Marketing, Applied Artificial Intelligence

Strong domain knowledge in the topic of Conversational AI

Strong general interest in the intersection between technology and management

Proficiency in all stages of quantitative data analyses (e.g., using Python or R): from data wrangling and feature engineering to running and evaluating models

Comfortable taking a lead role in research meetings with project partners and networking in Switzerland

Highly organised with exemplary project management skills

Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team

Preferred Qualification:

Fluent or Native in German is highly desirable.

Technical experience on how to implement Conversational AI in managerial settings

Technical experience with transformer models

Familiarity with mixed methods research

Software engineering skills (e.g., REST API development, SQL/NoSQL databases, cloud deployment (AWS/Azure/GCP), Docker)

Experience working in research and/or academia

Employment Conditions and Benefits:

Contract duration:

Not Available

Benefits:

Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society

You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits

Application Process:

Documents Required:

Curriculum vitae (1-2 pages)

Cover letter (1 pages)

A statement of research interest related to the project outline above (1 page)

Copies of bachelor’s and master’s degree

Names and contact details of two references

How to apply:

The selection committee will review applications periodically on a rolling basis. As soon as a decision has been made on your application, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure. Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

About the Host Lab Group/Institution:

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.

Explore Other Similar Positions:

You may also be interested in the following PhD positions. These opportunities are currently open across universities and research institutes worldwide.

> PhD Position in Management and Organization Research: AI in Strategic Management

> PhD Position in energy systems

> PhD Position in Structural Battery Electrolytes for Cold-Climate Transport

> PhD Position in Soft Matter Structure and Morphology

> PhD Position in Hydrogen Embrittlement of Metallic Materials

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who can apply for a PhD position?

PhD positions are open to candidates who hold, or will soon complete, a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a related field. Specific academic requirements may vary depending on the institution and research project.

Can international candidates apply?

Yes. Most PhD positions are open to international applicants. Universities usually provide support for visa applications and residence permits, subject to national regulations.

Is a Master’s degree mandatory for applying to a PhD?

In most cases, a completed Master’s degree is required. However, some institutions may consider exceptional candidates with strong academic backgrounds or integrated Master–PhD programs.

What is the typical duration of a PhD program?

A PhD program typically lasts 3 to 5 years, depending on the country, funding scheme, and research field. Some programs may allow extensions under specific circumstances.

Is the PhD position fully funded?

Most advertised PhD positions are fully funded and include a monthly salary or stipend. Funding details, tuition coverage, and benefits are usually specified in the job description.

Are PhD candidates considered students or employees?

This depends on the country and institution. In many European countries, PhD candidates are employed as staff members, while in others they may be registered as students receiving a stipend.

Are teaching responsibilities included in PhD positions?

Teaching duties vary by institution. Some PhD positions include teaching or lab supervision, while others are research-only. The exact expectations are described in each job advertisement.

Disclaimer:

This position is published for informational purposes. Please refer to the official application link for the most accurate and up-to-date details.