PhD position in Modeling and Control of Nonlinear Dynamical Systems from Data

ETH Zurich; Schweiz; On-site; CHF 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible start date

Job summary

ETH Zürich's Chair in Nonlinear Dynamics invites applications for a 100% PhD position in modeling and control of nonlinear dynamical systems from data. The project aims to provide fast, theoretically sound, interpretable modeling alternatives to black-box neural networks.

Based at the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering or the Department of Mathematics, the PhD focuses on spectral submanifold methods, data-driven model reduction, and potential applications in fluids, structures, and

Qualifications

• Master's degree in mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, physics, or related areas.
• Strong mathematical skills (evidenced by high grades) and analytical thinking.
• Prior research experience in fluid mechanics, structural vibrations, model reduction or control is advantageous.
• Experience with nonlinear dynamical systems methods and data-driven analysis is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply nonlinear dynamical systems methods to data for physical problems.
• Advance spectral submanifold (SSM) methods and nonlinear model reduction.
• Explore nonlinear modelling and control for fluid-structure interactions, materials with memory, soft robotics, and related areas.

Job description

Organisation/Company ETH Zürich Research Field Computer science » Other Engineering » Control engineering Engineering » Materials engineering Engineering » Mechanical engineering Engineering » Other Mathematics » Applied mathematics Physics » Applied physics Physics » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 4 Oct 2026 - 21:59 (UTC) Country Switzerland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Part-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

PhD position in Modeling and Control of Nonlinear Dynamical Systems from Data

The Chair in Nonlinear Dynamics at ETH Zürich is inviting applications for a 100% PhDposition in thedevelopment and application ofnonlinear dynamical systems methods for complex physical problems known only from data. The objective is to provide efficient, theoreticallysound, fast, and directly interpretable alternative in modelling to the black-box approach of neural networks.

• The selected candidate will work on thefurhter developmentof spectral submanifold (SSM) methods, aiming to further develop concepts in nonlinear model reduction
• Possible research directions include the development of nonlinear modelling and control approachesfor fluid-structure interactions, material withmemory, soft robotics, tele-operated systems, lightweight space structures, and turbulent flows
• Ongoing and prior work in related areasby the Chair in Nonlinear Dynamics can be found at the group website
• The position will be based at either the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering or the Department of Mathematics, depending on the candidate’s background and preferences
• The starting date is flexible but an early start is preferred

Profile

• The successful candidate is expected to have a master's degree in mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, physics, or related areas
• Strong mathematicalskills (evidenced by high grades) are required and will be tested in technical interviews.
• Prior research experience in problems related to fluid mechanics, structural vibrations, model reduction or control is expected
• Experience in nonlinear dynamical systems methods and data-driven analysisis a plus

We offer

• Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich We value diversity and sustainabilityIn 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.

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