Research Associate position in AI applied to Industry and Societal Challenges W/M

About Idiap

Idiap is an independent, not-for-profit, research institute accredited and funded by the Swiss Federal Government, the State of Valais, and the City of Martigny.

Idiap offers competitive salaries and working conditions at all levels in a dynamic, multicultural environment. Idiap is an equal opportunity employer. We specifically encourage women and minorities to apply.

Idiap is located in the town of Martigny in Valais, Switzerland, offering exceptional quality of life, exciting recreational activities, including hiking, climbing and skiing, as well as varied cultural activities. It is within close proximity to Lausanne and Geneva. Although Idiap is located in the French part of Switzerland, English is the official working language.

For frequently asked questions (FAQs) about living in Switzerland, please go to https://www.idiap.ch/en/faq

Post description

Idiap is creating a new Cross Research Group (CRG) on « AI for Trust » to initiate and support research projects in collaboration with local and international industrial partners, in areas with high-societal and industrial impact, hence depending on the proper integration of multiple expertise areas already available at Idiap.

Trust is one of the main pillar of our modern society. Citizens, customers, industry and policy makers firmly believe in the reliability of our infrastructures, services and systems. Nowadays, society is exposed to new threats (e.g. disinformation, counterfeits, trafficking, business intelligence, national security, humanitarian) putting its security at risk. Societal needs and industrial demand are growing to address these risks, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds many of the solutions to these emerging threats. The new CRG « AI for Trust » will research, develop and transfer AI technologies to keep or increase trust.

Idiap is looking for a researcher in AI, with strong experience in machine learning, image/audio processing and possibly natural language processing. Applicants should demonstrate excellent research experience in their field, strong publication record (comparing well with peers with same seniority level), and ability to do creative and significant research with relative level of autonomy. Applicants should also demonstrate a strong background in statistics, linear algebra, C/C++/Python programming and Linux environment.

The successful candidate primary mission is to support the CRG head leading and implementing innovative cross-disciplinary research projects in collaboration with research groups currently established at Idiap. In addition to Key Performance Indicators (KPI) common in academic research, progress will be evaluated based on specific KPIs that reflect ability to grow a solid network of industrial partners in the targeted domain, to initiate and sustain research and development projects in collaboration with other Idiap research groups, and to help developing a well-articulated long-term vision for the group in an area of strategic importance. The duration of the position is for two years and may be extended based on progress and success.

Idiap is a vibrant research institute active in a broad range of AI-related domains. It is at the core of a strong and well-established innovation network, including start-ups and industrial partners. Idiap is home to a diverse and multi-national staff and is ideally located within the scenic environment of the Swiss Alps.


Although the position is available immediately, screening and selection will start on December 1, 2022 and will continue until the positions have been filled.

Sought profile

Applicants must have a PhD degree in engineering, physics, computer science or applied mathematics, several years of experience, and can originate from Universities (including Universities of Applied Sciences, e.g. FH/HES/SUP in Switzerland) and industry. They should also demonstrate excellent research experience in their field, and strong publication record. Successful candidates should be able to demonstrate independence in research and provide evidence that they have developed their own body of high-quality work and that they contributed to acquire successful research grants.

Required languages

• English - Level advanced

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