Postdoctoral Researcher / Postdoctoral Researcheress

Postdoctoral Researcher - Iterative Learning Control of Industrial Systems

100%, Zurich, permanent

inspire AG is the leading Swiss competence centre for product innovation and advanced manufacturing. As a strategic partner of ETH Zurich, our mission is to transfer knowledge and technology from research to the Swiss machine, electrical, and metal industries.

The research group Control and Automation at inspire AG offers a postdoctoral position as part of an industrial collaboration with a Swiss industry partner and the Automatic Control Laboratory (IfA) at ETH Zurich. The planned start date for the position is October 2026.

Project Background

Our research group is dedicated to enhancing the efficiency of industrial systems in real-world deployment through the development of process monitoring, learning, and policy training, while ensuring safety and efficiency. We create novel learning-based control methods that exhibit both practical applicability and theoretical foundations.

Job Description

We are seeking a skilled Postdoctoral Researcher who will be responsible for developing and deploying advanced Iterative Learning Control (ILC) algorithms on real-world industrial platforms. This project requires a combination of strong theoretical knowledge and hands-on expertise, making it ideal for candidates who thrive at the intersection of theory and application.

• Develop customized ILC and parameter optimization algorithms for industrial applications, transitioning from theoretical analysis to implementation and testing on actual systems.
• Create adaptive control and estimation schemes to support hardware implementation.
• Collaborate closely with our industry partner to tackle unique challenges.

Profile

• PhD degree in robotics, electrical or mechanical engineering, computer science, or relevant fields.
• Strong understanding of learning-based control methods and knowledge of iterative learning control theory in relation to industrial systems.
• Excellent foundation in linear algebra, numerical methods, optimization, and control theory.
• A background in online optimization theory and adaptive control theory is advantageous.
• Hands-on experience with industrial control systems is a plus.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential; knowledge of German is beneficial.
• Highly self-organized, structured, and solution-oriented in your work approach.
• Strong motivation and eagerness to acquire new skills.
• A high level of teamwork, a positive work attitude, and creativity.
• Willingness to supervise and support student projects.

Workplace

Join us at inspire AG where you will work in a dynamic and innovative environment, collaborating with talented individuals dedicated to cutting-edge research in learning-based industrial control.

We Offer

This full-time position as a postdoctoral researcher is part of our industrial collaboration project. You will have the opportunity to build connections in the industry quickly through our close cooperation with project partners. In our enthusiastic team, you will work at the forefront of today’s knowledge in learning-based industrial control.

Curious? So Are We.

Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

For technical inquiries, please contact Dr. Efe Balta, Head of Control and Automation at efe.balta@inspire.ch. You can also visit our website www.inspire.ch and the Automatic Control Lab at https://control.ee.ethz.ch.