PhD in Chemical Engineering & Artificial Intelligence in Politecnico di Torino – Italy

Summary

The PhD position focuses on developing artificial intelligence methods to accelerate industrial catalysis research. Hosted by the Energy Department of Politecnico di Torino, the project collaborates with Shell Global Solutions International B.V. and includes research stays at Shell’s Energy Transition Campus Amsterdam. The candidate will design sequential learning and agent‑based AI models to guide experiments in complex catalytic design spaces, aiming to create self‑driving laboratory capabilities. Responsibilities cover algorithm development, interdisciplinary collaboration, industrial integration, and dissemination of results through publications and conferences. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant engineering or science discipline, possess basic knowledge of energy processes, AI techniques, and scientific programming, and demonstrate strong English proficiency and analytical skills.

Key Facts

Department	Energy Department
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Chemical Engineering
Research Area	Artificial Intelligence methods for industrial catalysis
Degree Required	Master's degree
Language	English

About the Project

The project aims to apply state‑of‑the‑art AI techniques, specifically sequential learning and agent‑based models, to optimize industrial catalytic processes. By creating AI‑driven experimental design strategies, the work seeks to reduce the time and cost of catalyst development, laying the groundwork for self‑driving laboratories that support the global energy transition. Collaboration with Shell provides industrial case studies and research stays at the Energy Transition Campus Amsterdam.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop sequential learning and agent‑based AI models for catalytic design spaces
• Collaborate across chemical engineering, materials science, and computational physics
• Work with Shell on industrially relevant case studies and conduct research stays in Amsterdam
• Publish research in peer‑reviewed journals and present at international conferences

Required Skills

• Basic knowledge of energy processes
• Understanding of AI methods and machine learning
• Scientific programming in Python, MATLAB or equivalent
• Good English proficiency
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Scientific curiosity and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research

Who Should Apply

Applicants with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related fields, who have basic knowledge of energy processes, AI methods, and scientific programming (Python, MATLAB or similar), good English proficiency, and strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.

About the Employer

Politecnico di Torino is described as one of Europe’s top technical universities. The Energy Department conducts the PhD research in partnership with Shell Global Solutions International B.V., offering an academic‑industrial environment for the candidate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the contract type?

Temporary / Full‑time (PhD Position).

Where will the research be conducted?

Mainly in Turin, Italy with research stays at Shell’s Energy Transition Campus Amsterdam, Netherlands.

What degree is required to apply?

A Master’s degree or equivalent in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related fields.