UNIVERSITÄT ST. GALLEN - Research Associate (PhD Position) Generative AI & Beneficial Engagement

Your tasks

• Design and conduct empirical studies in the lab and field on generative AI systems (e.g., chatbots or co-pilot plugins) with special consideration of large language models
• Independent and collaborative project work in an interdisciplinary, dynamic team
• Research on a basic research topic with high practical relevance
• Collaboration with renowned research institutions, start-ups and large companies 
• Supporting innovative teaching formats, especially with regard to the user-centered development of digital services

We offer

• Time-scheduled doctoral studies (approx. 3.5 years) with intensive supervision and a competitive salary
• Access to an international network of scientists
• Opportunity to participate in international conferences
• Working in a young, innovative team in an inspiring working environment

Your profile

• Master's degree with an average grade of at least 5.0 (equivalent to 2.0 in Germany and Austria) in Psychology / Business Administration / Information Systems / Industrial Engineering / Data Science / Computational Social Sciences / or similar
• Knowledge of empirical research methods (e.g., laboratory and field experiments) and quantitative methods including relevant software (e.g., Python, R, SPSS)
• Self-management skills and the ability to independently learn new techniques and methods, e.g., related to natural language processing techniques
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in German and English

At the chair of Prof. Dr. Jan Marco Leimeister you will mainly work on a research project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). The research project focuses on generative AI systems and intelligent user interfaces, e.g., for education, software development and the service sector. These AI-based systems are revolutionizing user interaction, but pose new challenges and questions from the user's point of view, such as how to deal with false information (so-called hallucinations) and to what extent users trust such systems. The systematic evaluation of generative AI systems in the laboratory and in the field is intended to derive design principles that ensure the effective use of this new class of system.

University of St.Gallen

«A place where knowledge is created» - As one of Europe's leading universities of economics and business administration, the University of St.Gallen (HSG), Switzerland, is committed to the education of over 9800 students. The HSG is one of the largest employers in the region and provides an attractive and innovative environment for more than 3300 researchers, educators and professional staff.