Scientific Assistant - PRISM

ETH Zurich; Zürich; On-site; CHF 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public transport season tickets

ASVZ sports

Childcare support

Attractive pension benefits

Job summary

ETH Zurich is seeking a Scientific/Research Assistant for the PRISM project at D-ARCH. The role spans drawing archiving, AI-assisted processes, and digital infrastructure development within a multi-disciplinary team.

You will collaborate with project leads and a student assistant, contributing to teaching integration and research funding efforts while ensuring high-quality documentation and coordination.

Qualifications

• Background in architecture with a strong interest in drawing, spatial representation, and chair culture
• Genuine curiosity about AI tools and digital methods in an architectural context
• Experience with Python programming, modern web development and AI coding agents; experience with cloud deployment is a plus

Responsibilities

• Support drawing archiving and digitisation processes
• Assist in AI model training and image labelling
• Contribute to database build-up, full stack application development, and UX/UI implementation
• Help set up and maintain ETH digital infrastructure
• Participate in project coordination, documentation, and communication
• Contribute to the integration of project outcomes into studio teaching
• Application experience in funding for bigger grants

Job description

Scientific Assistant - PRISM

20%-40%, Zurich, fixed-term

About the Project

PRISM is an ETH Innovedum research and teaching project based at the Chair of Prof. Jan De Vylder (D-ARCH). The project develops AI-assisted tools for architectural drawing archiving, analysis, and teaching integration. It runs from Autumn 2026 to April 2028 and is partially funded by ETH Innovedum.

The Role

We are looking for a motivated and curious architect to join the PRISM project as a Scientific / Research Assistant. You will take on a central role in the project, working across architectural content, digital tools, and AI-supported processes.

This is a hands-on role at the intersection of architectural drawing culture and emerging digital methods. You will collaborate closely with the project leads Jan De Vylder, Angélique Kuenzle and Johanna Roth, and work alongside a student assistant.

Employment Conditions

• Duration: approx. 1 year – starting October 1, 2026
• Workload: 20 - 40%
• Location: ETH Zürich, D-ARCH
• Salary: according to ETH guidelines for scientific staff

Job description

• Support drawing archiving and digitisation processes
• Assist in AI model training and image labelling
• Contribute to database build-up, full stack application development, and UX/UI implementation
• Help set up and maintain ETH digital infrastructure
• Participate in project coordination, documentation, and communication
• Contribute to the integration of project outcomes into studio teaching
• Application experience in funding for bigger grants

Profile

• Background in architecture, with a strong interest in drawing, spatial representation, and chair culture
• Genuine curiosity about AI tools and digital methods in an architectural context
• Experience with Python programming, modern web development and AI coding agents; experience with cloud deployment is a plus
• Structured, reliable, and able to work independently within a small team
• Good communication skills in English (German a plus)

We offer

• 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

We value diversity and sustainability

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.

Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

Further information about the Departement of Architecture can be found on our Website.

Questions regarding the position should be directed to [e-mail].

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.