Doctoral Position in Generative AI-Based, Computational Design Methods for Engineering Design at ETH Zürich – Switzerland

Summary

The Engineering Design and Computing Laboratory at ETH Zürich offers a fully funded, fixed‑term doctoral position focused on generative AI methods for engineering design. The role involves researching how large language models can be integrated with formal design grammars to create and explore new engineering solutions across consumer products, manufacturing, and structures. Candidates must hold a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, possess strong Python programming skills, and be fluent in English. The position provides a competitive salary, a small tuition fee, and the opportunity to work in an international, collaborative environment with teaching responsibilities and potential industry partnerships. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until 1 November 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Engineering Design and Computing Laboratory
Position Type	Fixed-term
Discipline	Mechanical Engineering
Research Area	Generative AI for engineering design
Degree Required	Master's degree
Salary	Competitive salary
Funding	Fully funded
Language	English
Deadline	2026-11-01
Required Documents	CV, University transcripts for Bachelor and Master degrees, Two references for reference letters, Scientific publications (optional)
Employer Contact	[email protected]

About the Project

The project investigates the integration of large language models with formal design grammars to develop generative AI tools for engineering design. It aims to enable LLMs to act as collaborative partners, represent design concepts, reason about solutions, generate novel designs, and explore diverse solution spaces, with applications in consumer products, manufacturing, and structural engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Investigate new approaches in generative AI for engineering design
• Explore how LLMs can act as collaborative partners for human designers
• Use LLMs to represent designs, reason about solutions, and generate new designs
• Investigate applications in consumer products, manufacturing, and structures
• Provide teaching assistance in engineering design, product development, and CAD

Required Skills

• Strong programming skills in Python
• Experience with computational design methods (advantage)
• Experience with machine learning (advantage)
• Experience with Large Language Models (advantage)
• Creative and curious interdisciplinary mindset
• English as the main working language
• German is an advantage but not required

Who Should Apply

Applicants who have completed a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline, demonstrate strong Python programming abilities, and are motivated to conduct internationally leading research in applied AI for engineering design. The ideal candidate is creative, curious, interdisciplinary, and comfortable working primarily in English, with German as a beneficial but non‑essential skill.

Benefits

• Fully funded doctoral position with a competitive salary
• Only a small tuition fee is required at ETH
• Join a highly motivated international team
• Engaging and ambitious research environment
• Opportunities to collaborate with students, other labs, and industrial partners
• Ability to shape the lab's research direction with personal ideas
• Contribute to and strengthen the lab's international research profile

About the Employer

ETH Zürich is described as one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology, renowned for excellent education, cutting‑edge fundamental research, and rapid transfer of knowledge to society. It hosts over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries and promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

Applications are considered on a rolling basis until 01 November 2026.

What documents must be submitted?

A CV, university transcripts for both Bachelor and Master degrees, and two reference contacts; scientific publications are optional.

Is knowledge of German required?

German is an advantage but not required; English is the main working language.

When does the position start?

The offer starting date is February 2027, with a latest possible start in September 2027.

How is the position funded?

It is a fully funded doctoral position with a competitive salary.