PhD Position in Machine Learning for Engineering Design
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
The Laboratory for Intelligence in Design Engineering and Learning (IDEAL) in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering invites applications for one to two doctoral (Ph.D.) positions 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.
Project Background
This is a general search and is not specific to a particular project, prioritizing scientific excellence and fit to the laboratory over any specific topic area. General areas of current research interest for the lab include, but are not limited to:
- Generative Models
- Transfer Learning
- Formal Systems and Program Analysis
- Self-Supervised Learning
- Intersection of Mathematical Topology and Machine Learning
- Agentic/Multi-Agent Coordination for Engineering Design
- Industrial Robotics and Multi-Robot Coordination
- Development of Engineering Benchmarks or Evaluation Frameworks
- Other emerging areas at the intersection of ML/AI and Engineering Design
Job Description
As a Doctoral researcher, your responsibilities may include:
- Individual or collaborative work on research, including writing publications and contributing toward individual or shared codebases.
- Collaborating, where relevant, with partners from industry, academia, and national labs to translate real-world needs into scientific or technical questions.
- Learning new skills in specialized graduate areas via courses and other educational offerings, or through self-learning.
- Assisting with the teaching mission of the laboratory, including working with Master's and/or Bachelor's thesis students, and course assistance as needed.
- Generally being a good lab citizen by assisting in various shared laboratory administrative tasks undertaken by the team.
Profile
The following characteristics may align well with the position:
- We are open to diverse educational backgrounds of applicants, which can include engineering, mathematics, computer science, physics, or other relevant degrees.
- Students in the lab typically have interests in or expertise in one of the following areas: Machine Learning, Optimization, Simulation, or Robotics.
- A strong publication record across either competitive journals or Computer Science conference venues is a plus, but not a requirement, especially for those with practical experience or non-traditional career paths.
- Experience with High-Performance Computing (HPC) environments or Software Engineering best practices is a plus, but not a requirement.
- Strong English language skills and the ability to work successfully and collaboratively on diverse, multinational teams.
We encourage candidates to apply even if they do not think they possess every point above, particularly for those 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.
Workplace
At ETH Zurich, we value a supportive shared work culture and prioritize a climate that encourages diverse voices. You can expect engaging and motivating colleagues in a collaborative research and educational environment.
We Offer
You can look forward to:
- World-class research infrastructure and excellent working conditions guided by our common understanding of a supportive shared work culture.
- Opportunities to work with a diverse, motivated, and multicultural team in a creative research environment.
- An enriching intellectual environment within the lab and the university that includes top scholars from across the globe.
- Support 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 record of placing employees into competitive research positions, professorships, and industrial R&D.
We Value Diversity and Sustainability
In 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. Sustainability is a core value for us—we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.
Curious? So Are We.
Apply online using the form below. Please ensure your application contains the following documents in PDF format (make sure your last name is on all documents and in the file name):
- A Curriculum Vitae or Resume detailing your relevant past experience, including a list of publications (if applicable).
- A Research Statement or Statement of Purpose describing your interest in pursuing a Ph.D. position (and in our lab in particular), what types of research topics related to the lab would interest you, and what background or past experience makes you well-suited for those topics (1-2 pages).
- A copy of your undergraduate and graduate transcripts.
- A short Cover Letter listing possible time windows you would be available for a Zoom interview, as well as your desired start date.
- Contact information for two references, which can be appended to the CV or provided as a separate PDF if preferred.
Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. For best consideration, please submit the above application materials by April 15th, 2026. The anticipated interviews and final decisions will occur before April 1st. The start date can be determined upon mutual agreement with the selected candidate(s) but we anticipate that the earliest start date could be in May 2026, with the latest start date being October 2026.
For further information about our lab, please visit our website. Questions regarding the position can be directed to Mrs. Martina Koch, Adm. Assistant, Tel 044 632 45 16 or email martikoc@ethz.ch (no applications).
About ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for its excellent education, cutting-edge research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society, we promote independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence among over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries. Located in the heart of Europe, we forge connections globally to develop solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.