Post-doctoral Position in Machine Learning for Engineering Design

h3Post-doctoral Position in Machine Learning for Engineering Design /h3 h3100%, Zurich, fixed-term /h3 pThe Laboratory for Intelligence in Design Engineering and Learning (IDEAL) in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering invites applications for a Post-doctoral position in the area of Machine Learning for Engineering Design under the guidance of Prof. Mark Fuge, the Chair of Artificial Intelligence in Engineering Design. The general area of the laboratory covers the study of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in the context of Engineering Design problems in domains such as healthcare, power generation, aerospace, and robotics. The successful candidate will join a growing research team and have a unique professional development opportunity to help shape and guide initial investments in laboratory infrastructure. /p h3Project background /h3 pThis postdoctoral position would build upon the laboratory's past and ongoing work within the context of AI-Guided Design, Inverse Design, and Optimization across different application domains. In particular, we are developing scientific research infrastructure to better study the integration of physical experiments with digital/AI-driven models, as well as formal verification of software systems. This builds upon our existing work in automated robotic assembly, automated design for assembly, and benchmarking within this domain, such as through our EngiBench and EngiOpt libraries. We would also be interested in developing new work in formal verification of mechanical systems, such as through Autoformalization and techniques from Program Analysis or Synthesis. This position would involve helping set the vision and scientific direction for future efforts in this broad area, and collaborating with Ph.D. students, other Post-Docs, and Scientific Staff (such as software developers from ETH's Scientific IT Services group) to produce world-class and high-scientific-value research publications and infrastructure. As such, it offers unique and advanced professional development opportunities in both leadership and laboratory operations that will position the candidate well for future success as an independent scientist. You can read more about our work at our laboratory's current website. /p h3Job description /h3 pAs a postdoctoral researcher, your responsibilities may include: /p ul liDevelopment or analysis of novel algorithms for engineering design applications, such as Inverse Design, Generative Modeling, Robotics, or Program Analysis/Synthesis /li liCollaborating with partners from industry, academia, and national labs to translate real-world needs into scientific or technical questions /li liWorking independently or with other scientific staff to deploy our simulation or algorithm pipelines on advanced computational infrastructure, such as High-Performance Computing systems /li liAs many of the lab members actively contribute together to various projects, this role will involve some project management and coordinating the development efforts of others /li liHelping to set up the specialized digital or physical scientific infrastructure needed to support planned experiments as relevant to your research focus. This also includes participating as an active lab citizen in improving lab-wide infrastructure via participation and planning for lab retreats or helping set up lab-wide processes /li liParticipating actively in dissemination efforts such as publishing scientific papers, attending or presenting at conferences or workshops, or other scholarly outreach activities /li liDesigning and writing portions of scientific research proposals to support laboratory efforts /li liSupervising Ph.D., Masters, and/or Bachelors students /li liLimited assistance in teaching efforts for relevant coursework in the laboratory's general area /li /ul h3Profile /h3 pThe following are some characteristics that may align well with the position: /p ul liYou should be a highly motivated researcher with expertise in some of the following areas (please address these in the cover letter): Machine Learning, Robotics, Computational Simulations (e.g., CFD, FEA, etc.), domain expertise in Engineering problems, familiarity with High-Performance Computing (HPC) environments, or Software Engineering/Analysis /li liYou are expected to have a Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Robotics, or related fields with an excellent track record in archival journal publications, Computer Science or Robotics conferences, or other competitive venues appropriate to your Ph.D. research field /li liYou should possess strong English language skills and the ability to work successfully and collaboratively on diverse, multinational teams /li liPreferred candidates will also possess working knowledge of recent Machine Learning or HPC-related techniques or tooling, such as relevant Python or Julia libraries (PyTorch, JAX, and similar) and how to package simulation or ML codes for dissemination or deployment on distributed servers (e.g., Docker, Singularity, and running codes on HPC clusters) /li liKnowledge of (or prior research) in robotics (e.g., ROS, forward/inverse kinematics), manufacturing (e.g., Additive or Subtractive Manufacturing), or computer vision/language models is a plus, but not a requirement /li liExperience in Formal Verification and Software Analysis is also highly desirable /li liPreferred candidates will know professional software development practices, such as Code Quality measures, distributed development workflows (e.g., using Git/GitHub), such that you can lead a group with multiple contributors and maintain high levels of code quality /li liThis position involves significant interpersonal and leadership opportunities that integrate with others in the ETH workplace, and ETH Zurich has developed a set of six core competencies that we expect from all employees. These include acting responsibly, nurturing well-being, driving innovation, living inclusivity, building bridges, and enabling people. In your cover letter, to the extent that you can speak to them as part of your past work, please note your key strengths in these competencies and examples that speak to them /li /ul pWe encourage candidates to apply even if they do not think they possess every point above, particularly for candidates who may not have had access to certain development opportunities. We will work with any selected candidates to develop targeted competencies on a personalized basis. /p h3We offer /h3 pThe position is offered on a fixed-term basis with an anticipated duration of approximately two years, with an initial contract duration of one year, with a possibility of future extensions based on performance evaluation. The anticipated start date for the position is flexible, with an ideal start date between May to October of 2027. However, the exact date can be shifted forward or backward by several months upon mutual agreement to match the employment or graduation needs of the selected candidate. The position is designed as a full-time (100%) appointment, however, we can offer flexibility in both time and location (home office possibility from your residence in Switzerland) as needed to best enable an individual's needs and well-being. ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. In addition to this, you can look forward to: /p ul liWorld-class research infrastructure and excellent working conditions guided by our common understanding of a supportive shared work culture /li liA high level of autonomy to develop your skills as an independent researcher /li liOpportunities to work with a diverse, motivated, and multi-cultural team in a creative research environment /li liSupport for personalized professional development and mentoring with the ability to build a strong support network for your future career, and be part of a laboratory with a strong track record of placing post-doctoral employees into competitive research positions and professorships /li /ul h3We value diversity and sustainability /h3 pIn line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future. /p h3About ETH Zürich /h3 pETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow. /p