Postdoctoral Fellowship Position on Large Language Models as Digital Twins for Human Learning

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Professorship for Research on Learning and Instruction at ETH Zurich strives to discover effective, evidence-based ways to improve educational practice with an eye towards generalizable principles across content areas and issues of societal relevance. The group is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to contribute to ongoing research on Large Language Models as Digital Twins for Human Learning.

Project background

In cognitive science, it is common practice to use cognitive models to understand human thought processes - including human learning. Large language models create new opportunities for cognitive modeling. In the past, the group has created cognitive models (e.g., artificial neural networks, see Rau et al., 2019 ) that mimic specific human learning processes. We then used these models as ’digital twins,’ testing whether specific types instructional interventions can enhance knowledge acquisition for the model. A human experiment showed that the optimized intervention that resulted from the digital-twin experiments indeed also improved human learning.

The group now aims to examine how large language models can serve as digital twins for human learning. Digital twins are particularly useful in cases where many possible learning interventions exist or when the interventions are associated with risks. The latter is particularly relevant for the team’s ongoing research on educational interventions for misinformation.

Job description

• The goal of the postdoctoral position is to contribute to an ongoing international project on large language models. The postdoctoral candidate is expected to (1) examine how to constrain a large language model so that it mimics established human cognitive processes; (2) test learning interventions that modify the large language model’s behavior in a desirable way; and (3) verify that the intervention also has benefits for human learning
• The postdoctoral candidate is expected to develop their personal research agenda within and beyond this project’s scope. The candidate is expected to publish their findings in top-tier journals and to present them at highly competitive conferences
• The candidate is expected to contribute to the research group’s teaching responsibilities, which involves teaching courses for ETH’s teacher training program in German. Further, the candidate should be prepared to co-mentor PhD candidates and to mentor research assistants
• The lab offers a supportive environment for conducting independent research with access to a research programmer, scientific writing support, and an international research network. Further, the lab is associated with the ETH AI Center, which offers additional opportunities for networking and learning

Profile

• You should hold a PhD in Cognitive Science, Psychology, Learning Sciences, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field
• Prior experience in research on topics related to the position as well as a strong publication record are expected
• You should be highly motivated to conduct independent research in the fields of Cognitive Science, Psychology, Learning Sciences, Artificial Intelligence
• You must be a highly committed, inherently curious individual who is excited to work with an interdisciplinary team and demonstrates a strong motivation to learn
• Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English and German is required

Workplace

We offer

• Excellent research infrastructure and supportive work conditions
• Support for developing your own research agenda and network
• Collaboration in a highly motivated and welcoming research team
• High level of autonomy
• Inspiring academic environment

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

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.

You can find more information about the Professorship of Research on Learning and Instruction and the research lab here . You can also contact Professor Dr. Martina Rau ( martina.rau@ gess.ethz.ch ) with questions about the position.

Please submit the following application documents using the ETH online portal in a single merged PDF document, titled with your last name and first name (for example SmithJohn_application) in the following order:

• Letter of motivation describing your qualifications and interest for the position
• Detailed CV with publication list
• Transcripts of all degrees (English or German)
• Names and contact information of three references
• 2-3 representative publications

We look forward to receiving your online application by March 31, 2026. We will review applications immediately as they are submitted until the position is filled.

Please apply exclusively via the online application portal. Applications sent by e-mail or post will not be considered.

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

Apply online now

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.