PhD Position AI-Driven Generative Engineering Design from Qualitative and Q

at  TU Delft

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are seeking future trailblazers with motivation to transform the design process with Artificial Intelligence. At a high level, engineering design involves mapping a problem’s functional requirements to the physical parameters which define a solution. In the case of quantitative design objectives, processes like topology optimization can be utilized to converge on parameters which maximize performance. However, real-world requirements relating to societal, sustainable, and manufacturing needs are not necessarily easily quantified. Considering both qualitative and quantitative functional information together for design optimization is a complex challenge.
This position is an opportunity to connect recent advancements in AI such as language modeling and computer vision with fundamental Mechanical Engineering techniques such as topology optimization. This research involves the development of methods and tools to represent complex functional requirements and geometric form for generative design. The envisioned output of this project is a design representation model capable of encoding qualitative and quantitative design requirements together in a unified latent “semantic” space which can be used to generate geometrically optimized physical components. Success in this endeavor will mean a transformation of how multimodal data is utilized to maximize design performance and sustainability.
As a part of a multidisciplinary team, you will be supervised by Haluk Akay and Matthijs Langelaar in the Computational Design & Mechanics Section in the Department of Precision & Microsystems Engineering at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of TU Delft. The position offers opportunities for professional growth regarding research methods, disciplinary knowledge, mentoring BSc/MSc students, presenting findings at international conferences, engaging in educational activities, and more.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

We seek evidence of the following qualifications in candidates’ application materials:

• MSc Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields.
• Programming skills in Python or MATLAB.
• Engineering design experience.
• Motivation for pursuing original contributions to science at the doctoral level.
• Ability to identify meaningful research problems, communicate technical information clearly and concisely, and lead organized and collaborative progression following the scientific method.

Further distinguishing relevant competencies:

• Experience with training and validation of Machine Learning (ML) models.
• Experience with dataset construction and curation.
• Experience using ML libraries such as Tensorflow, Pytorch, Hugging Face Transformers.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Note that the selection committee is seeking specific and concise evidence of your motivation to pursue a PhD in your submissions. Generic letters generated by a language model will not be considered.
• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is an obligatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is agreed upon.
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• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
  Faculty/Department: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
  Salary range: €2901 - €3707
  Hours per week: 38-40

Please refer the Job description for details