PostDoctoral Position in Human-Centered Security & Privacy Research

The Security, Privacy and Society Group led by Prof. Verena Zimmermann is inviting applications for a PostDoctoral Researcher in the area of Human-Centered Security. The Security. Privacy and Society Group is an interdisciplinary research group in the Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (D-GESS) at ETH Zürich. We perform research at the intersection of humans and technology, especially focusing on human-computer interaction and the human aspects of IT security and privacy. The group aims to develop human-centered security and privacy solutions that consider humans as active contributors to security. Exemplary research areas comprise usable authentication and communication, designing privacy-friendly smart home applications, or addressing security challenges in smart cities.

The position is a full-time position (100%) initially limited to two years, with a possibility for extension. The expected start date is in autumn 2023 or as mutually agreed upon.

You are expected to develop your own research project within the group’s research agenda concerned with studying how humans can be enabled to be active contributors to security rather than the “weakest link”. You can learn more about the group’s research agenda and exemplary projects on the group's website here.

Your tasks will comprise the following:

• Perform your own research project and contribute to the group’s research activities in the above-mentioned area
• Work towards publications in recognized international journals and conferences, including co-authored papers with other group members
• (Co-)Develop and (co-)teach courses in the Science in Perspective Program
• Contribute to writing synergistic grant applications to raise external funding
• Participate in the events of the research group and support the work of the group, including the organization of meetings, providing feedback and advice to doctoral researchers, planning of workshops and conferences
• Actively engage with professors, students, and researchers at the D-GESS department, ETH Zürich, and in the Swiss and international community

Essential experience, skills and characteristics:

• Completed/submitted a dissertation in a discipline related to Human-Technology Interaction. Relevant disciplines include but are not limited to Computer Science, IT Security, Psychology, Sociology, or Engineering
• A distinct research profile in Human-Centered Security, Human-Computer Interaction, or related fields that is demonstrated through publications, projects, and/or teaching
• Broad knowledge of the topics, theories, and methods of Human-Centered Security
• English language proficiency

Desirable criteria:

• International experience
• Strong inclination to work in a team-oriented environment
• German language skills
• Initial experience as a PostDoc or with related activities, such as supervising students or writing grant proposals

The Security, Privacy and Society group offers a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment where you can shape your research profile and develop new competencies. Together, we tackle up-to-date security and privacy challenges impacting humans and society. ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions and competitive salaries. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity, and attractive offers and benefits.