Institute of Education
Postdoc in Machine Learning and Interpretability for Cognitive Development 80 %
Start of employment 1. November 2025 or upon agreementThe position is part of a joint project between two methodology oriented labs within Educational Science and Psychology.
Your responsibilities
The successful applicant will collaborate closely with Prof. Dr. Charles Driver, head of the Quantitative Methods unit (Psychology), Prof. Dr. Martin Tomasik, head of the Research Methods unit (Educational Science), and the broader research team. Although the position is primarily research-oriented, there is potential involvement in teaching, statistical consulting, and supervision.
As scientific lead of a cross-institute workgroup, the candidate will develop, train, and compare modern neural network architectures-such as graph neural networks, recurrent neural networks, and hybrid models-to cap-ture learning trajectories, item characteristics, and contextual influences within large-scale cognitive develop-ment and educational testing datasets. They will drive methodological innovation by extending neural network approaches to integrate psychometric principles (for example, item response theory), predict individual change over time, and distinguish item properties.
In addition, the successful applicant will disseminate findings through high-impact journal articles, presentations at international conferences, and by contributing open-source code. They will also co-supervise doctoral and master's students, coordinate regular lab meetings, and foster an inclusive, collaborative culture. Optionally, the appointee may teach up to 2 SWS per semester in quantitative methods, machine learning, or education-al/psychological data science-for which additional remuneration is provided.
As scientific lead of a cross-institute workgroup, the candidate will develop, train, and compare modern neural network architectures-such as graph neural networks, recurrent neural networks, and hybrid models-to cap-ture learning trajectories, item characteristics, and contextual influences within large-scale cognitive develop-ment and educational testing datasets. They will drive methodological innovation by extending neural network approaches to integrate psychometric principles (for example, item response theory), predict individual change over time, and distinguish item properties.
In addition, the successful applicant will disseminate findings through high-impact journal articles, presentations at international conferences, and by contributing open-source code. They will also co-supervise doctoral and master's students, coordinate regular lab meetings, and foster an inclusive, collaborative culture. Optionally, the appointee may teach up to 2 SWS per semester in quantitative methods, machine learning, or education-al/psychological data science-for which additional remuneration is provided.
Your profile
- A PhD in psychology, statistics, computer science, or a related discipline
- Experience with psychological or related research
- Excellent methodological skills - machine learning and statistics, complex / longitudinal data structures
- Proficiency in programming language/s (e.g., R, Python, Julia, C++)
- Very good command of English as the work language
- Proven experience with publishing in international journals
Information on your application
To apply, please send a CV, motivation letter, contact details for 2 academic references, and sample of written work (not necessarily published) to Prof. Martin Tomasik in one single PDF until August 18 2025 : martin.tomasik@ife.uzh.ch. Informal questions are welcome and may be directed to either Prof. Dr. Charles Driver (charles.driver@psychologie.uzh.ch) or Prof. Dr. Martin Tomasik(martin.tomasik@ife.uzh.ch) or both.
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
Learning and Development
- Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
- Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich
Food
- Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
- Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution
Healthcare
- Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
- Free seasonal flu vaccinations
- Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower
Discounts
- Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
- Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
- Special conditions on hotel reservations
Conditions of Employment
- Policies of the UZH
- Most UZH staff are employed according to public law
International Services
- Support for people from outside Switzerland
Campuses
- Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
- Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg
Location
Institute of Education
Kantonsschulstrasse 3, 8001 Zürich, SwitzerlandFurther information
Questions about the job
Martin Tomasik
Professor of Research Methods in Developmental and Educational Sciences
Working at UZH
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