Postdoctoral Researcher in Data Systems for Multimodal AI with IBM Research (100%) in Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) – School of Engineering, InIT Institute of Computer Science – Winterthur, Switzerland

Summary

The Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) invites applications for a full‑time postdoctoral researcher to work on data systems that support multimodal AI. In partnership with IBM Research Europe, the project aims to design architectures, optimization techniques, and resource‑management mechanisms that enable efficient execution of AI pipelines across CPUs, GPUs and specialized accelerators. The role involves developing prototypes, evaluating them on realistic workloads, and assisting in teaching database‑related courses. The position offers a supportive work environment, work‑life balance, diversity initiatives, personal development opportunities, and standard salary and pension benefits. Applications are submitted through the ZHAW portal.

Key Facts

Department	School of Engineering, InIT Institute of Computer Science
Position Type	Postdoctoral Researcher
Discipline	Computer Science
Research Area	Data Systems for Multimodal AI
Degree Required	PhD degree
Language	German
Employer Address	ZHAW School of Engineering, Winterthur, Switzerland
Employer Contact	Prof. Dr. Kurt Stockinger ([email protected]); Jocelyn Schaad ([email protected])

About the Project

The project investigates next‑generation data systems for multimodal AI, focusing on architectures that dynamically orchestrate tasks across heterogeneous engines such as relational databases, Spark, and Presto. It seeks to develop analytical and learning‑based optimizers, resource‑management and scheduling mechanisms for CPUs, GPUs and accelerators, and to implement prototype systems that efficiently execute AI workflows involving large language models, vision models and data analytics.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop architectures that support multimodal AI pipelines
• Investigate optimization techniques for AI pipelines across heterogeneous systems
• Build resource‑management and scheduling mechanisms for CPUs, GPUs and accelerators
• Enable efficient execution of AI workflows with multiple interacting models
• Implement prototype systems and evaluate them on realistic AI and data workloads
• Assist in teaching databases and intelligent information systems

Required Skills

• Strong background in distributed systems (e.g., Spark)
• Experience with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, DuckDB)
• Knowledge of machine learning concepts
• Solid programming skills in Python
• Interest in publishing in leading systems and AI conferences
• Good communication skills; German language proficiency is a strong plus

Who Should Apply

Candidates who have earned a PhD in Computer Science, AI, Data Engineering or a closely related field, possess strong expertise in distributed and relational database systems, and have solid Python programming skills. Applicants should be motivated to publish in top systems conferences and have good communication abilities, with German language skills considered a strong advantage for teaching duties.

Benefits

• Supportive workplace culture
• Work‑life balance
• Diversity and inclusion initiatives
• Personal development opportunities
• Environmental, economic and social sustainability focus
• Occupational health management
• Salary and pension provision

About the Employer

Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) is one of Switzerland's largest multidisciplinary universities of applied sciences, enrolling over 14,000 students and employing about 3,400 staff. Its School of Engineering hosts the InIT Institute of Computer Science, known for strong research and teaching in computer and data science. ZHAW emphasizes gender‑mixed, diverse teams and offers a range of services to support living and working in Switzerland.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for the position?

Apply online via the ZHAW application portal.

Who can I contact for more information?

Prof. Dr. Kurt Stockinger ([email protected]) or Jocelyn Schaad ([email protected]).

Is German language proficiency required?

Good communication skills in German are a strong plus, mainly required for teaching assistance.