Postdoctoral Researcher in Iterative Learning Control of Industrial Systems 2026 – inspire AG & ETH Zurich

Position Description

inspire AG, the leading Swiss competence centre for product innovation and advanced manufacturing, offers a Postdoctoral Researcher position in the Control and Automation research group. This position is part of an industrial collaboration with a Swiss industry partner and the Automatic Control Laboratory (IfA) at ETH Zurich. The planned start date is October 2026.

inspire AG serves as a strategic partner of ETH Zurich, with a mission to transfer knowledge and technology from research to Swiss machine, electrical, and metal industries. The Control and Automation group works on increasing the efficiency of industrial systems in real-world deployment by enabling process monitoring, learning, and policy training while ensuring safety and efficiency.

This position is perfectly suited for researchers at the intersection of theory and application, offering the opportunity to develop cutting-edge Iterative Learning Control (ILC) algorithms and deploy them on real-world industrial platforms.

Position Location

The position is based at inspire AG and ETH Zurich in Zurich, Switzerland. The research is conducted in close collaboration with a Swiss industry partner.

Application Deadline

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The planned start date is October 2026. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Host Institutions

inspire AG – the leading Swiss competence centre for product innovation and advanced manufacturing, serving as a strategic partner of ETH Zurich.

ETH Zurich (Automatic Control Lab – IfA) – one of the world's leading universities in science and technology, renowned for excellence in control engineering and automation.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: Postdoctoral Researcher.

Fields: Iterative Learning Control (ILC), Learning-Based Control, Industrial Control Systems, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Automation.

Research focus: Developing novel learning-based control methods with practical applicability and theoretical guarantees, with application to industrial systems.

Target Group

The position is open to researchers with a PhD degree in robotics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or a related field. Candidates should have a solid understanding of learning-based control methods and a strong interest in both theoretical analysis and practical implementation.

Position Duration & Benefits

Position Type: Full-time, permanent (with project-based funding).

Duration: The position is offered as part of an industrial collaboration project. The initial appointment is for the project duration, with potential for extension.

Benefits include:

• Competitive Swiss salary and social benefits
• Opportunity to work at the forefront of learning-based industrial control
• Close collaboration with Swiss industry partners
• Access to ETH Zurich's world-class research facilities
• Young, dynamic research team environment
• Opportunity to supervise and support student projects
• Networking opportunities in Switzerland's industrial and academic sectors

Position Requirements

Essential qualifications:

• PhD in robotics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or a relevant field.
• Solid understanding of learning-based control methods and knowledge of Iterative Learning Control (ILC) theory with applications to industrial systems.
• Excellent foundation in linear algebra, numerical methods, optimization, and control theory.
• Hands-on experience with industrial control systems (preferred but not required).
• Excellent written and oral English (knowledge of German is beneficial).
• Highly self-organized and structured way of working, with a solution-oriented mindset.
• High motivation and willingness to learn new skills.
• Teamwork skills, positive work attitude, and creativity.
• Willingness to supervise and support student projects.

Desirable (plus):

• Background in online optimization theory.
• Background in adaptive control theory.

Application Procedure

1. Prepare application documents – Gather the following:
   • Curriculum Vitae (CV) – detailing education, research experience, publications, and technical skills
   • Cover Letter – explaining your motivation, research interests, and relevant experience
   • Transcripts – academic records from your PhD and previous degrees
   • 2–3 Reference Contacts – contact details of academic or professional referees
   • 2 Representative Publications – showcasing your research contributions
2. Submit your application – Send your full application to [email protected] with the reference "ILC Postdoc" in the subject line.
3. Technical inquiries – For questions about the position, contact Dr. Efe Balta, Head of Control and Automation ([email protected]).
4. Review process – Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
5. Selection – The selection process includes evaluation of research experience, technical fit, and alignment with the project's goals.

Important notes: The position is part of an industrial collaboration project with a Swiss industry partner. The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with both academic and industry partners.

Official Website & Application Links

ETH Zurich – Postdoctoral Researcher Job Posting

inspire AG Website: www.inspire.ch

ETH Automatic Control Lab: control.ee.ethz.ch

Application Email: [email protected] (with reference "ILC Postdoc")

Technical Contact: Dr. Efe Balta ([email protected])