Wissenschaftliche(r) Mitarbeiter(in) (PhD-Stelle)

Do you want to shape the future of AI-driven manufacturing? Are you eager to apply cutting-edge machine
learning and optimization techniques to real-world industrial challenges?
Join inspire AG ,Switzerland’s leading competence center for product innovation and advanced
manufacturing. As a strategic partner of ETH Zurich, we transfer knowledge and technology from research
into the Swiss machine, electrical, and metal industries, driving AI-powered innovation in manufacturing.
The Machine Concepts research group at inspire AG, in collaboration with the Chair of Artificial
Intelligence in Mechanics and Manufacturing (AIMM) at ETH Zurich ,is offering the following position:
Research Associate with the option of a PhD thesis at ETH Zurich
in AI-Driven Process Optimization for Smart Manufacturing
Our research focuses on applying machine learning and optimization methods in the manufacturing
domain. Our goal is to develop efficient methods for selecting process parameters, building condition-based
maintenance approaches, and investigating human-machine interactions.

Your Role – Shape the Future of Smart Manufacturing!
We are looking for a highly motivated researcher to push the boundaries of AI-driven process optimization
in manufacturing. In this multi-year research project, you will:

- Develop AI-based optimization methods to enhance industrial manufacturing processes
- Design and implement cutting-edge machine learning models for process parameter selection
- Reduce experimental effort with transfer learning and prior knowledge
- Collaborate with leading Swiss industry partners and apply AI to real-world problems
- Validate and refine methods using real industrial data

Your Profile – Who We’re Looking For
Education & Background:

- A Master’s degree (ETH, university) in engineering, computer science, or a related field
- A strong academic record, meeting ETH Zurich’s PhD admission requirements

Technical skills:

- Experience in machine learning, optimization, or AI-driven decision-making
- Preferably knowledge of Bayesian optimization or Gaussian processes
- Programming experience (Python, MATLAB, or similar)

Soft Skills:

- Highly self-organized, structured, and motivated to explore new techniques
- Strong problem-solving mindset and willingness to tackle complex challenges
- Ability to collaborate in a dynamic team with a creative and positive mindset
- Fluency in English (German is an advantage, French is a plus)
- Swiss/EU/EFTA citizenship or a valid Swiss work permit

This is a full-time research position with the opportunity to pursue a PhD at ETH Zurich. You will have the
chance to work hands-on with Swiss industry leaders, applying your research directly to real-world
manufacturing challenges. The position offers a unique interdisciplinary research environment, where AI
and industrial innovation intersect. Additionally, this role provides strong career growth opportunities in
cutting-edge AI applications for manufacturing.

Please send your full application (cover letter, transcripts, CV, references) with reference ”Smart
Manufacturing” to Petra Kahl (petra.kahl@inspire.ch).For technical questions, please contact Dr. Markus
Maier, Head of Machine Concepts, inspire AG (hr@inspire.ch).
Learn more about us at: www.inspire.ch and https://mohr.ethz.ch/. By submitting application documents,
you accept the provisions of the privacy policy of inspire.
inspire AG, Technoparkstrasse 1, CH-8005 Zurich, www.inspire.ch