PhD position: Design automation of electromagnetic induction coils using additive manufacturing

Inspire AG is the leading Swiss competence centre for product innovation and advanced manufacturing. As a strategic partner of ETH Zurich, our mission is to transfer knowledge and technology from research to Swiss machine, electrical and metal industries.

The research group “Design for New Technologies” at inspire offers in collaboration with the Product Development Group Zürich (pd|z) at ETH Zurich a position in the field of design for additive manufacturing

Additive manufacturing (AM) offers unique advantages to optimally combine economic and sustainable advantages. Our research focuses on the fundamentals principles of AM and generative to enable groundbreaking advancement in specific application. To realize this novel AM applications approaches beyond the current state of the art are essential.  This PhD position is part of a research project conducted in close collaboration with leading Swiss industry partners, offering a unique opportunity to bridge cutting-edge academic research with real-world industrial applications.

The position offers the possibility of a PhD, which will be supervised by Prof. Mirko Meboldt at ETH Zurich. The project aims to investigate generative design algorithms to automate the design process of electromagnetic induction components by using AM technologies and combine it with advanced computational tools. A particular focus will be on exploring design generation based on physical models and validating these designs through experimental testing on dedicated test benches. This research will be conducted in close collaboration with both academic and industrial partners.

Academic Background:

• Very good Master's degree (Master of Science), demonstrating a strong foundation in relevant engineering disciplines 

Technical Proficiency:

• Familiarity with engineering tools with focus on design automation
• Experience in programming (e.g. Python) or machine learning and a desire to deepen your expertise
• Experience in physical testing and a passion to deepen your expertise

Research and Industry Collaboration:

• Intrinsic motivation and curiosity to advance the state of the art in AM and writing papers
• Motivated to bridge the gap between academic advancements and industrial applications in the field of design for AM components
• Passion for industrial applications of AM and advanced manufacturing technologies

Professional Skills and Competencies:

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with confidence
• Team oriented working style
• Proficiency in the English language, both written and spoken
• Knowledge of the German language is an advantage.

If you are passionate about advancing design automation and AM but do not meet every qualification, we still encourage you to apply.

At inspire, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the varied backgrounds of our team and partners. We therefore strongly encourage applications from women and underrepresented groups in engineering and technology.

Applicants must be either Swiss citizens, EU or EFTA nationals or have the legal right to live and work in Switzerland.

We offer a full-time position for a researcher, with the option to do a PhD thesis at ETH.

• Through the close cooperation with our project partner, you will quickly establish contacts to industry.
• In our young team you will work at the forefront of today's knowledge in design for additive manufacturing.
• An inspiring, team-based research environment committed to diversity and inclusion.
• Mentorship and opportunities for professional development.
• Flexible working hours to help balance work and personal commitments.

Take a look at our website to get an insight into our team, culture, projects, and research activities.

• Produktentwicklung & Konstruktion
• Design for New Technologies