Department of Informatics

Ph.D. Position in Generative AI in the Context of News Recommender Systems 100 %

Start of employment Employment start date to be mutually agreed, temporary

The Dynamic and Distributed Information Systems Group at the University of Zurich, Department of Informatics, investigates the foundations and technical means for building systems that dynamically adapt to changes in the environment or in their goals and/or require the collaboration of many human or computational actors to achieve their goals.

Your responsibilities

The Dynamic and Distributed Information Systems Group at the University of Zurich is looking for motivated applicants who are interested in developing personalized news recommender systems using generative AI technology.

Your profile

We are seeking Ph.D. students interested in investigating how such generative-driven recommendation systems can be developed and how they can adhere to fairness, accountability, trustworthiness, and transparency principles.
The position is available for candidates interested in these topics, who have a MSc in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence or a related discipline (or will be receiving it shortly), as well as a passion for discovering new things. Experience in the areas of recommender systems, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and knowledge representation are considered a plus but are not strictly necessary.  
To apply, please gather your curriculum vitae, cover letter, all grade transcripts, a list of at least three references, and your BSc/MSc theses as PDF files and go to www.apply.dsi.uzh.ch/position/40009732

We will be evaluating applications on a rolling basis, so please apply as soon as possible. 
We offer:
  • A first-class experimental recommender systems research infrastructure with a proven track-record of multiple premier outlet publications,
  • A highly exciting, timely, and societally important research topic,
  • An outstanding technical infrastructure and technically experienced colleagues,
  • A diverse and multi-disciplinary research group of highly motivated colleagues who are passionate about topics at the intersection of computer science, AI, and social science,
  • Strong support for your professional/career development,
  • Attractive work environment both within the research group and beyond: the University of Zurich is one of Switzerland's leading universities in the middle of a vibrant, cosmopolitan city that regularly ranks as one of the cities with the highest quality of life in the world,
  • Generous support for professional travel and research needs,

The University of Zurich is committed to enhancing the number of women in scientific positions and, therefore, particularly invites women to apply. Women who are as qualified for the position in question as male applicants will be given priority. 

Information on your application

Please submit your application by 16/06/2025.

What we offer

Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers. More

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


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

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

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

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Discounts
  • Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
  • Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
  • Special conditions on hotel reservations

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


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International Services
  • Support for people from outside Switzerland

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

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Further information

Questions about the job

Prof. Abraham Bernstein, Ph.D
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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 → https://www.uzh.ch/cmsssl/en/explore/work.html

Please apply via our job portal www.jobs.uzh.ch.

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
UZH