Doctoral Position in Generative AI-Based Computational Design Methods at ETH Zurich, Switzerland

About the Position

ETH Zurich advertises a doctoral position on generative AI-based computational design methods for engineering. The successful candidate will develop and study machine-learning methods that support and automate engineering design workflows, connecting generative models with domain-specific simulation and optimisation tools.

The position suits candidates excited about the intersection of large generative models, geometry and engineering practice, and offers a fully funded doctoral contract at one of the leading technical universities in Europe.

Research Areas

• Generative AI models for engineering design tasks
• Computational design pipelines and surrogate modelling
• Integration of machine learning with simulation and optimisation
• Evaluation of AI-designed solutions in real engineering settings

Funding and Employment

Employment and financial support

Component	Details
Position	Fully funded, full-time, fixed-term doctoral position
Salary	Competitive salary according to ETH Zurich standards for doctoral students, paid monthly and increasing with seniority.
Duration	Four-year doctoral programme with a structured doctoral education offer.
Location	ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

Eligibility and Requirements

Academic and research preparation

Criterion	Requirement
Academic preparation	Master's degree in computer science, mechanical or civil engineering, computational science, or a related field (see the official advert for the exact profile).
Technical skills	Strong programming and machine-learning background; experience with generative models or design automation is an asset.
English	Good command of English; ETH Zurich's doctoral admission requirements apply.

Application dates

Recruitment information

Component	Details
Status	Open when checked on 22 October 2026
Deadline	1 November 2026
Start date	By agreement
Location	Zurich, Switzerland

How to Apply

Apply through the official ETH Zurich job portal before 1 November 2026 using the application button on the advert. Applications typically include a CV, transcripts, a cover letter describing research interests and contact details for references.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities in science and technology. Doctoral candidates benefit from structured doctoral education, world-class laboratories and a research community that spans engineering, computer science and the natural sciences.

Official Link

• Official advert and application (verified link)
• Working at ETH Zurich (official)

Contact

Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be raised through the contact channel given on the official announcement page (see the Official Link section above). Always quote the position reference in your message so the admissions or HR team can route your enquiry quickly.

Important Notes

• Application deadline: 1 November 2026 - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
• Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
• Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.

Application guides

• How to Email a PhD Supervisor: 7 Templates and Practical Tips
• How to Read a PhD Job Advert: Funding, Eligibility and Application Steps
• Academic CV for PhD Applications: Structure and an Example