PhD at University of Zurich
Join the University of Zurich and contribute to groundbreaking research in AI-based person identification through behavioral biometrics.
We are searching for a driven and skilled individual to join our research team as a PhD student, specializing in the analysis of person identification utilizing communication signals such as speech, gestures, and facial expressions, all supported by artificial intelligence. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to work on an engaging and demanding research project focused on the development of advanced AI algorithms specifically designed for person identification analysis using communication signals.
PhD Project
The PhD position is offered as part of an innovative research endeavor called "Computational analysis of personal identity in interaction: Recognition and ethics - CAPIRE" at the Digital Society Initiative and the Department for Computational Linguistics, University of Zurich. This interdisciplinary project is dedicated to advancing computational models for analyzing personal identity through the examination of multimodal communication signals, including speech, gestures, and facial expressions. The research will entail the analysis of extensive datasets of human interaction data, utilizing cutting-edge machine learning techniques to detect distinct patterns indicative of individual identity.
As a PhD student within this project, you will be immersed in a dynamic and supportive research environment that highly values the contributions and professional growth of young scholars.
Your responsibilities are:
- Collection of data representing naturally occurring human interactions in collaboration with other team members.
- Processing speech, gesture and mimics using state-of-the-art speech analysis and computer vision tools and analyzing biometric information in each signal using machine learning methods.
- Writing cumulative doctoral dissertation describing results, composed of at least three peer-reviewed scientific articles.
- Collaborate with team members and other researchers and institutions.
- Participate in international conferences and public outreach activities.
The doctoral project will be co-supervised by Prof. Dr. Volker Dellwo and Dr. Teodora Vuković.
PhD Requirements
- Master's degree in the field of computer science, statistics, artificial intelligence, computational linguistics, computer vision, biometrics, biomechanics, acoustics, or related field.
- Strong programming skills, with experience in Python and deep learning frameworks.
- Strong background in machine learning, signal processing, and statistics.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Experience in natural human data collection is a plus.
- Interest in behavioral pattern recognition and analysis of human interaction.
- Interest in developing innovative research methods and approaches.
- The ability to work independently as well as in a team.
- Excellent written and verbal English competence.
What we offer
- Four-year PhD funding.
- DSI PhD Excellence Program - highly successful PhD program with graduates at top-rated institutions worldwide
- The opportunity to work with leading experts in the field in an inspiring interdisciplinary and international working environment.
- Excellent working conditions with state-of-the-art facilities at the University of Zurich.
- The opportunity to participate in international conferences and workshops.
- The opportunity to live in Zurich, one of the world's most attractive cities
- Pay rates for PhD candidates are based on the standards set by SNSF.
How to Apply
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting from May 2023 until the position is filled. Please submit your application via the link to the online application tool only. The position will start in October 2023.
Please submit your application containing your CV, university transcripts (include additional education or coursework if applicable), short letter of motivation (max. 2 pages A4), link to writing / research sample and contact information for at least two references.
We encourage applications from women and ethnic minorities.
Job position: Dr. Teodora Vuković and Prof. Dr. Volker Dellwo. Contact: teodora.vukovic2@uzh.ch
PhD Program: Dr. Sascha Vollmin
Department manager: Alexandra Bünzli, lic. phil.
