PhD in machine learning for IoT (in collaboration with Geberit) in Zürich

100%, Zurich, temporary

The Chair of Management Information System in collaboration with Geberit Group, a leader in the field of sanitary products, is offering a PhD position. In strong partnership your goal is to make the benefits of AI and statistical modelling tangible at the shop floor on actual IoT data. Your success is measured by the productivity gains you can reach by implementing your research results. Our practice oriented research is driven by the strong desire to conquer the impact of digitization in production processes. For this purpose, we draw on recent advances in artificial intelligence and statistical modeling in order to gain deep insights and reach an increased level of automation (e.g. predictive maintenance, analytics for the Internet of Things). Different from a pure PhD in computer science or Mathematics, our work is more applied as we taylor advanced analytics to the specific requirements of the use case.

A tentative PhD candidate will be interested in one (or more) of the following topics: Machine learning, deep learning, artificial intelligence, Process mining (secondary), Optimization, operations research (secondary), Visualization (for all employee level). For industrial PhDs it is of most importance, that the research is centred around the applicability and usefulness of research results with an impact to industry.

The ideal candidate has a Master's degree in either Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Computer Science. Interested candidates should be interested in solving analytical tasks, combined with intermediate programming skills (e.g. in R, Python or C-something). Prior experience in corresponding software frameworks is a plus (e.g. Tensor-flow, Keras, PyTorch, Stan, pyro). Industrial experience for example in a production company or in a consulting company is advantageous. Moreover we are looking for a strong personality to defend your research ideas not only at ETH but also in an industrial context. Fluency in the German and English language is a prerequisite. Your work at ETH is almost entirely research-centred without the usual teaching duties, whereas your work at the industrial partner is almost entirely application-centred. Hence, you need to be able to program and implement your research ideas by yourself.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.