Post-Doc Position

The Interactive Visual Data Analysis (IVDA) Group at the University of Zurich is seeking a talented Post-Doc (m/f/d) at the intersection of visual analytics, interactive machine learning, and human-centered AI. Together, we will develop novel approaches for the characterization, design, and evaluation of interactive visual data analysis solutions that combine the strengths of both humans and algorithms. This position is particularly suitable for candidates with interests/experience in interdisciplinary, collaborative, and applied work, such as in medicine, digital and personal health, digital humanities, digital libraries, or sustainability domains.

We are pursuing a human-centered approach to data science, machine learning, and AI, to foster human involvement in the data analysis process rather than replacing them. In the context of the digitalization, data-driven research and decision-making, human-machine collaboration, and human-centered AI, we will study human workflows, identify and preserve steps with high human intellectuality, and establish practices of both high human control and automation. Together, we will address the following challenge areas:

• Examples of data-oriented challenges include multivariate, multimodal, heterogeneous, dirty, uncertain, or unlabeled data.
• Important model-oriented challenges include data preprocessing, model building, model quality assessment, and model explanation.
• Particularly interesting user-oriented challenges include varying degrees of user expertise, personalization intents, human-machine collaboration, human factors, and understanding and supporting user preferences for data and tasks to contribute to an enhanced user experience.
• Various types of human feedback loops: from humans to machines/data, such as labeling, preference submission, subjective learning, elicitation of expert knowledge, and the personalization of the ML experience.

The contribution of the project will include human-centered data science and machine learning solutions, tailored to the information need of individual users. These new approaches will also make machine learning applicable to larger user groups in the context of data science and digitalization initiatives.

For more information about Prof. Bernard's recent research context, see juergen-bernard.de

For more information about research streams and projects in the lab, see our research page

• Ph.D. degree, e.g., in Informatics, AI, Data Science, HCI, or an application domain.

• Strong publication record and ability to conduct scientific work and dissemination activities.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, and ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.

• Ability to independently teach university-level courses and supervise students.

• Extensive expertise in some of these areas: data science, information retrieval, data mining, machine/deep learning, AI, natural language processing, explainable AI, algorithmic fairness, biases, transparency, human-computer interaction, applied research methods, or types of empirical research.

• Profound skills in programming in Python.

• Hands-on supervision/mentorship for further career development
• Support in conducting excellent research and in publishing results in top international journals and conferences
• Creative working atmosphere in a motivated, cooperative, and technically very well-equipped environment
• Possibility to work with several Ph.D. students in the lab in topics around IVDA
• Excellent professional and personal development possibilities and hence, excellent basis for a future career in interactive visual data analysis in an industrial context
• Specific benefits like flexible working hours, young scientist promotion opportunities, parental leave benefits, nursery services, and care for dependents and much more
• Very good salary, according to local university regulations and standards in Switzerland

Official applications should include:

• Motivation letter
• Detailed CV
• Certificates of degrees and educational background
• Clear exposition of prior data visualization experience
• Copy of the Ph.D. Thesis

The UZH is a top internationally recognized research university with faculties in medicine, humanities, economics as well as mathematical and natural sciences. UZH is the largest university in Switzerland and regularly ranked among the top world leading research universities. The Department of Computer Science (Institut für Informatik – IfI) covers major computer science, software engineering and information management research and teaching topics, it offers B.Sc., M.Sc. as well as PhD degrees in informatics/computer science.

The Interactive Visual Data Analysis Group is located at the IfI, in the vibrant city of Zurich as part of the University’s new Nord-Campus in Oerlikon in a renovated modern office building. The UZH Nord-Campus is conveniently located a short walk off the Max-Bill Platz, center of the new trendy living, shopping and business district in Oerlikon, as well as near the Oerlikon train, S-Bahn and tram stations. The Zurich international airport (ZRH) is easily reachable with public or private transportation.

PostDocs are remunerated according to local university regulations and standards from the funding agencies. Appointments will be made with respects to standard University rules; same applies for fringe benefits and vacation days. Appointments are expected to involve a full-time effort in research, teaching, and administration. It is the goal of UZH to offer an equal opportunity workplace environment and as part of this, we especially encourage women to apply. Specific benefits include flexible working hours, young scientist promotion opportunities, parental leave benefits, nursery services, and care for dependents and much more.