PraeDoc Researcher in Control Engineering

The Institute of Mechanics and Mechatronics is located at the Faculty of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering of the TU Wien. Our research team is made up of graduates from a wide range of disciplines such as mathematics, physics, mechanical engineering and industrial engineering. Within the framework of research cooperations with industrial partners, we conduct application‐oriented basic research with a focus on modelling, optimisation, simulation and control engineering.

PraeDoc Researcher in Control Engineering

The Institute of Mechanics and Mechatronics (IMM) and the Institute of Information Systems Engineering (IISE) at TU Wien invite applications for a PhD position within the FurnAIce project. The research focuses on AI‐enhanced modeling and control of tunnel kilns to improve energy efficiency and sustainability in brick production. The position (30 hrs/week) offers the opportunity to pursue a PhD dissertation, combining modern control engineering and machine learning methods to solve challenging real‐world control tasks in industry.

Your areas of responsibility:

• Develop hybrid models combining physical and data‐based modeling with identification and AI methods.
• Design advanced control strategies (e.g., model‐predictive control (MPC), reinforcement learning (RL)).
• Contribute to adaptive control systems for energy efficiency.
• Assist in interactive training tool development.
• Conduct research, publish findings, and present at conferences.
• Closely collaborate with industry partners and support high‐quality university teaching.

Your profile:

• MSc degree (or advanced studies) in mathematics, physics, engineering, or related fields.
• Strong background in system theory, modeling, and control.
• Experience in modeling, simulation, optimization, learning systems, or control methods.
• Knowledge of machine learning and programming (MATLAB, Python, or similar) is a plus.
• Fluent in German (required) and English.
• Motivated, goal‐oriented, and research‐driven, with a structured and scientific approach.
• Team player with an interest in student collaboration (working language: English).

Your advantages:

• Funded PhD position at TU Wien with the opportunity to earn a doctorate (Dr. techn.).
• Work on and innovate in real‐world industrial applications with high environmental impact.
• Collaboration with industry partners and top AI/control research teams.
• High‐quality, tailored scientific guidance in a dynamic research environment, ensuring intensive support when needed and an optimal setting for young researchers to thrive.
• Access to extensive training opportunities, flexible work arrangements, and career development resources.
• Prime location in central Vienna with employee benefits (see https://url.tuwien.at/jcgpb).

TU Wien is committed to increasing the proportion of women in particular in leadership positions. Female applicants are explicitly encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to women when equally qualified, unless reasons specific to a male applicant tilt the balance in his favour.

People with special needs are equally encouraged to apply. In case of any questions, please contact the confidant for disabled persons at the university, Mr. Gerhard Neustätter.

Entry level salary is determined by the pay grade B1 of the Austrian collective agreement for university staff. This is a minimum of currently EUR 2,786.10/month gross, 14 times/year for 30 hours/week. Relevant working experiences may increase the monthly income.

Please send us your detailed application documents (including a letter of motivation and CV) via email to [email protected] at your earliest convenience, latest April 24th, 2025. Please direct any queries to this email.