The Digital Process Engineering (DPE) Group of the Institute of Mechanical Process Engineering and Mechanics of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) focuses on the development and application of combined model- and data-based methods and concepts for control, automation, and optimization of complex dynamic processes, systems and plants. This also includes interfaces to robotics and autonomous systems and their integration into highly automated process chains. An essential aspect thereby is the interconnection of dynamic subsystems to form systems with desired properties and behavior. This results in links to a wide range of applications in areas such as process engineering and production technology, life science engineering, health technologies, energy technology, the circular economy, and land- and sea-based mobility.

The DPE group is looking for a highly qualified and motivated PhD student or Postdoc to conduct research in the field of robotics and automatic control directed towards applications in autonomous processes and autonomous labs. This will include both methodic developments at the intersections of control theory, robotics and machine learning as well as the realization of respective benchmark experiments to evaluate the concepts.

You should provide

• a master degree in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Process Systems Engineering, Engineering Cybernetics, Mechatronics or a related discipline with a major in automatic control and robotics;
• dedicated knowledge in control theory and robotics including mathematical modeling of dynamic systems and processes, nonlinear, optimal and predictive control, and their numerical analysis and evaluation. Knowledge in data-based control, experience in the practical implementation of nonlinear and optimal controllers on robotic devices and/or embedded devices is beneficial;
• programming skills using MATLAB and/or Python;
• ability to work and to communicate in a team;
• ability and willingness to support teaching at the bachelor and the master level excellent commandment of both the German and English language in spoken and written form (at least B2 level) is mandatory.