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Fully Funded PhD Position in Multimodal AI and Game Research – ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland (MATCH-IN-GAMES Project)

PhD position

8/10/2026

ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences is offering a fully funded 100% PhD position in Multimodal AI and Game Research as part of the MATCH-IN-GAMES project (Multimodal Analysis of Team Communication and Human Behaviour in Online Competitive Games). This is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated candidate interested in multimodal AI, machine learning, social computing, game studies, and human behaviour in online multiplayer games.

Position Snapshot

  • Institution: ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, School of Management and Law, Institute of Information Systems, Winterthur, Switzerland

  • Project: MATCH-IN-GAMES (Multimodal Analysis of Team Communication and Human Behaviour in Online Competitive Games)

  • Level: PhD / Doctorate (full-time, 100% employment, 3-year fixed-term contract)

  • Funding: Fully funded doctoral position through the DIZH Fellowship Programme, with competitive Swiss salary and benefits

  • Research areas:

    • Multimodal AI and machine learning for gameplay, chat, audio, video, and game telemetry analysis

    • Social dynamics and toxic behaviour in online multiplayer games

    • Cross-platform player behaviour analysis

    • Game interaction studies and digital agency

    • Interdisciplinary research at the intersection of AI, game studies, and social computing

  • Collaboration: Joint supervision by ZHAW (Dr. Elena Gavagnin) and Technical University of Munich (Prof. Johanna Pirker)

  • Start date: Immediately or by mutual agreement

  • Application deadline: 30 August 2026

  • Application portal: ZHAW online application system – https://www.zhaw.ch/en/jobs/vacant-positions/job-details/job/detail/3813582

  • Application fee: None

  • Contact: Dr. Elena Gavagnin – elena.gavagnin@zhaw.ch


About the MATCH-IN-GAMES Project

The MATCH-IN-GAMES project investigates how toxic behaviour and other social dynamics emerge in anonymous online multiplayer games. By combining multimodal artificial intelligence with game research, the project aims to better understand how gameplay, communication, and game design shape player behaviour across different games.

Online multiplayer games are living laboratories of human behaviour, where anonymity, competition and cooperation shape digital interactions. The appointed PhD candidate will work on cutting-edge research at the intersection of multimodal AI, machine learning, game studies, and social computing.

Key research activities include:

  • Developing multimodal AI pipelines to extract information from gameplay, chat, audio, video, and game telemetry & interaction data

  • Collecting, curating, and integrating multimodal datasets from public game APIs, gameplay recordings, and other research data sources

  • Applying and evaluating the developed quantitative methods to investigate toxic behaviour and other social dynamics, interpreting the results in the context of game research, including game design, mechanics, genre, and player communities

  • Publishing research results at leading international conferences and in high-impact scientific journals

  • Presenting work at international conferences, workshops, and meetings with project partners

  • Collaborating with researchers from AI and game studies at ZHAW, TUM, and other international partners

  • Co-supervising Bachelor’s and Master’s students working on related topics

This project combines multimodal AI, machine learning, data science, and game research to address fundamental questions about how digital interactions shape human behaviour in online gaming environments.

Funding and Financial Support

Selected candidates will receive a fully funded, salaried PhD position with the following core features:

  • Contract type: 100% employment contract (full-time) for doctoral research, fixed-term for 3 years with annual contracts

  • Salary level: Competitive Swiss salary (typically CHF 75,000–85,000 gross per year for 100% PhD positions in Switzerland), plus social security contributions paid by the employer

  • Duration: 3 years, covering the standard doctoral period

  • Benefits: Standard Swiss employee benefits, including health insurance, pension contributions, paid leave (typically 25–28 days per year), and access to university facilities and training programmes

  • Research support: Access to state-of-the-art research facilities, data from real gaming environments, and funds for conference travel, research visits, and collaboration, as per ZHAW and DIZH norms

  • Fellowship programme: Fully funded through the DIZH Fellowship Programme, allowing the successful candidate to focus primarily on doctoral research

This funding model makes the position accessible to both Swiss and international candidates, provided they meet the eligibility and enrolment requirements.

Who Should Apply

This position is ideal for candidates with a strong background in artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer science, data science, game studies, or related computational fields, and a clear interest in human behaviour, social dynamics, and game research.

Academic Background

Applicants should hold (or be close to completing) a Master’s degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in one of the following or closely related fields:

  • Artificial Intelligence

  • Machine Learning

  • Computer Science

  • Data Science

  • Computational Sciences

  • Game Studies

  • Game Technology

  • Human-Computer Interaction

  • Or a closely related discipline (e.g., Cognitive Science, Social Computing, Digital Humanities with strong computational focus)


Skills and Attributes

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

  • Strong technical background in AI, machine learning, computer science, or data science, combined with an interest in game research / game development

  • Strong programming skills and experience with software development for research or machine learning applications (e.g., Python, R, C++, Java, or similar)

  • Experience with multimodal data analysis (text, audio, video, telemetry, interaction data) is highly desirable

  • Familiarity with game research, game studies, or human behaviour analysis in digital environments is an advantage

  • Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research at the intersection of AI, game research, and human behaviour

  • Excellent written and spoken English (German is an advantage but not required)

  • Ability to work independently, manage long-term research projects, and collaborate effectively in an interdisciplinary, international team

Prior research experience (e.g., Master’s thesis on AI, game research, social computing, or related topics) and publications in relevant venues are strongly recommended.

Application Materials

Applications must be submitted online only via the ZHAW online application system. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Required documents typically include:

  • Cover letter explaining your motivation, relevant background, and fit with the MATCH-IN-GAMES project and research group

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing education, research experience, technical skills, and any publications or relevant projects

  • Academic transcripts and degree certificates (Bachelor’s and Master’s, or current Master’s progress if not yet completed)

  • Research statement / statement of purpose outlining your research interests, relevant experience, and how you would approach the multimodal AI and game research project

  • Portfolio or code samples (if applicable) demonstrating your programming skills, AI/ML projects, or game research work

  • Contact details of two referees who can provide reference letters if requested

All documents should be uploaded in the formats specified in the online application system. Applications that do not meet the formal requirements or are submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

How to Apply

  1. Access the online application portal

  2. Complete the online form and upload documents

    • Fill in all required personal and academic details.

    • Upload your cover letter, CV, degree certificates, transcripts, research statement, portfolio/code samples, and referee contacts in the specified formats (usually PDF).

    • Double-check that all files are correctly attached and readable before final submission.

  3. Submit before the deadline

    • Ensure your application is submitted no later than 30 August 2026.

    • The system will not accept applications after the closing date; late submissions are not considered.


Selection Process and Timeline

The recruitment process typically involves:

  • Initial evaluation: Dr. Gavagnin and the research group review all submitted applications based on academic profile, research fit, technical skills, and motivation.

  • Shortlisting and interviews: Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews (usually online or on-site) to discuss their background, research interests, and fit with the project and team.

  • Final selection and offer: Successful candidates receive formal offers and instructions for contract signing and onboarding at ZHAW.


Key dates from the official call and summaries are:

  • Application deadline: 30 August 2026

  • Employment start: Immediately or by mutual agreement

  • Contract duration: 3 years (fixed-term, annual contracts)


Why This Opportunity Stands Out

This PhD position offers a rare combination of:

  • Fully funded, salaried doctoral contract with competitive Swiss salary (typically CHF 75,000–85,000 gross/year) and standard Swiss employee benefits for 3 years

  • A clearly defined, high-impact research project on multimodal AI and social dynamics in online multiplayer games, with direct relevance to toxic behaviour, digital agency, and human-computer interaction

  • Interdisciplinary collaboration with leading groups at ZHAW and Technical University of Munich, offering exposure to cutting-edge methods, real gaming data, and a strong publication record

  • A vibrant research environment in Winterthur/Zurich, with access to excellent research facilities, state-of-the-art computing infrastructure, and a strong network of AI, game studies, and social computing researchers


For candidates passionate about multimodal AI, game research, and the impacts of digital interactions on human behaviour, this is an excellent opportunity to pursue a high-impact PhD at one of Europe’s leading universities of applied sciences.

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