An exciting, fully funded PhD scholarship is available for researchers passionate about the intersection of artificial intelligence, human behavior, and online gaming. This position is a joint initiative between the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) and the Technical University of Munich (TUM).
PhD Scholarship: Multimodal AI and Game Research at ZHAW and TUM
Key Information
| Detail | Description |
| Designation | PhD Researcher / Doctoral Candidate (100% Position) |
| Research Area | Multimodal AI, Machine Learning, Game Research, Human Behavior |
| Host Institution | ZHAW School of Management and Law (Switzerland) |
| Enrolling Institution | Technical University of Munich (TUM, Germany) |
| Duration | Fixed-term (3 years, funded via the DIZH Fellowship Programme) |
| Location | Winterthur, Switzerland (ZHAW campus) |
| Application Deadline | August 30, 2026 |
| Starting Date | Immediately or by mutual agreement |
Project Summary
As part of the project MATCH-IN-GAMES (Multimodal Analysis of Team Communication and Human Behaviour in Online Competitive Games), this doctoral research investigates how toxic behavior and social dynamics emerge in anonymous online multiplayer environments. The project aims to combine cutting-edge multimodal AI with advanced game research to understand how gameplay, communication (text, audio, video), and game mechanics shape digital social interactions.
Research Area
- Multimodal Artificial Intelligence: Developing pipelines to extract, integrate, and analyze heterogeneous data types (gameplay recordings, chat, audio, video, and telemetry).
- Computational Social Science in Gaming: Quantitative and behavioral analysis of toxic behavior, cooperation, and team dynamics within online communities.
Eligibility & Qualification
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Science, Data Science, Computational Sciences, Game Studies, Game Technology, Human-Computer Interaction, or a closely related discipline.
- Technical Skills: A strong technical background in AI/ML or quantitative game research with robust programming skills (experience with software development for research or ML applications).
- Interdisciplinary Mindset: Enthusiasm for combining technical computer science with game design, player psychology, and human behavior.
- Language: Excellent written and spoken English. Knowledge of German is considered a helpful asset but is not required.
Job Description
The successful candidate will focus primarily on doctoral research with the following responsibilities:
- Developing novel multimodal AI pipelines to extract features from gameplay, chat, audio, and player telemetry.
- Collecting, curating, and integrating datasets using public game APIs and gameplay recordings.
- Applying and evaluating quantitative methods to study online player dynamics (such as toxicity and team cooperation).
- Publishing research findings in high-impact scientific journals and presenting at international conferences.
- Collaborating closely with AI and game studies researchers at ZHAW, TUM, and other international partners.
- Co-supervising Bachelor’s and Master’s students working on related topics.
How to Apply
Eligible candidates can submit their applications directly through the institution’s official hiring platform:
- Application Portal: Apply Online via ZHAW Jobs
- For specific academic questions regarding the project, you can reach out to Dr. Elena Gavagnin (Co-Head of Information Systems Engineering) at elena.gavagnin@zhaw.ch.
Last Date to Apply
Applications must be submitted by August 30, 2026.
