Doctoral Position in Generative AI-Based, Computational Design Methods for Engineering Design

1000scholars; Zürich; Presencial; CHF 48.000 - 60.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Fully funded PhD position

Low tuition at ETH

International team

Collaborative research environment

Opportunity to shape lab direction

Descripción de la vacante

ETH Zürich invites applications for a fully funded doctoral position in Generative AI-Based, Computational Design Methods for Engineering Design. Start Feb 2027 (latest Sept 2027). Rolling evaluation until 2026-11-01. Join a leading European university to push design knowledge with LLMs and formal grammars.

You will investigate AI approaches, collaborate with designers, and contribute to teaching in engineering design and CAD. Fluency in English; German is a plus.

Formación

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Strong programming skills in Python.
• Interested in applied AI for engineering design.
• Experience with computational design methods and ML is advantageous.
• Experience with Large Language Models (LLMs) is an advantage.

Responsabilidades

• Investigate new approaches in generative AI for engineering design.
• Explore how LLMs can act as collaborative partners for human designers.
• Represent engineering designs with LLMs, reason about designs, generate new solutions, explore solution spaces.
• Investigate applications in consumer products, manufacturing, structures.
• Provide teaching assistance in engineering design, product development, CAD.

Conocimientos

Python

Machine Learning

Computational design methods

LLMs

Research & innovation

Educación

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Herramientas

CAD

Descripción del empleo

Doctoral Position in Generative AI-Based, Computational Design Methods for Engineering Design

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Engineering Design and Computing Laboratory has a fully-funded doctoral position to work on cutting-edge research combining Large Language Models (LLMs) with formal design grammars for generative engineering design.

The starting date is in February 2027 and latest in September 2027. Applications are considered on a rolling basis until the closing date of November 01, 2026.

Job description

• Investigate new approaches in generative AI for engineering design
• Explore how LLMs can act as collaborative partners for human designers
• Use LLMs to Represent engineering designs, Reason about design solutions, Generate new design solutions, Explore different solution spaces
• Investigate applications in Consumer products, Manufacturing, Structures
• Provide teaching assistance in Engineering design, Product development, CAD

Profile

• Creative and curious, with an interdisciplinary mindset
• Interested in applied AI for engineering design
• Interested in computational design methods
• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• Motivated to conduct internationally leading research
• Strong programming skills in Python
• English is the main working language
• German is an advantage but not required
• Experience with computational design methods is an advantage
• Experience with machine learning is an advantage
• Experience with Large Language Models (LLMs) is an advantage
• Excellent applicants with a strong interest in research and innovation are encouraged to apply

We offer

• Fully funded doctoral position with a competitive salary
• Only a small tuition fee is required at ETH
• Join a highly motivated, international team at one of Europe’s leading universities
• Work in an engaging and ambitious research environment
• Opportunities to collaborate with students, other research labs, industrial partners
• Opportunity to shape the lab’s research direction with your own ideas
• Contribute to and strengthen the lab’s international research profile

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. 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.

Curious? So are we.

Further information about Engineering Design and Computing Laboratory can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to [e-mail] (no applications).

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

About ETH Zürich

ETH 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.