PhD in Process-Aware AI Agents for Autonomous Manufacturing at Process Analytics Cluster

Introduction

Are you fascinated by the intersection of probabilistic reasoning, process modelling, and artificial intelligence grounded in contextual knowledge? Do you want to develop AI agents that can autonomously reason, plan, and act in complex manufacturing environments based on knowledge graphs? Join a European research consortium and help shape the future of intelligent manufacturing.

Job Description

The Process Analytics (PA) group in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at TU/e is seeking a PhD candidate to work on the EuroFMX project (a large-scale Horizon Europe initiative bringing together 69 partners from 20 countries). EuroFMX aims to develop the world's first industrial-native autonomiation foundation model for manufacturing, built on Physics-Informed Graph Neural Networks embedded within transformer architectures over knowledge graphs. The project pursues a paradigm shift from reactive factory automation to proactive autonomisation, where AI agents autonomously optimize production workflows, predict disruptions, and dynamically reconfigure production systems.

The PA cluster is one of the leading research groups worldwide in process mining. The cluster develops theory, algorithms, and tools that bridge the gap between process science and data science. For more details, see https://pa.win.tue.nl/research-lines/.

Research Directions

Your research will explore several of the following directions:

• Ontology-based construction of event knowledge graphs from heterogeneous industrial data sources: Developing methods to turn the multi-source data of real production systems (MES/ERP log and OPC-UA streams) into the knowledge base the rest of the project is built on.
• Architecture for agentic AI operating over event knowledge graphs: Defining the reference architecture for autonomous agents whose perception, reasoning, and action all run over event knowledge graphs, while preserving trustworthiness guarantees.
• Active inference agents with graph-based, physics-informed generative models: Developing agents that combine active inference, physics-informed neural networks, and event knowledge graphs.
• Industrial validation of agentic AI methods: Translating the methodological work above into deployable agentic systems on pilots, including predictive maintenance at Philips and key-process-parameter optimization at Continental.
• Project Context

The EuroFMX consortium includes major industrial partners such as Bosch, Siemens, Philips, etc., alongside leading European research institutions and SMEs. Your work will be validated in real-world manufacturing use cases spanning automotive, aerospace, and electronics. Your primary research collaborations will be with 1) BIASlab in Electrical Engineering at TU/e on active inference and 2) Celonis on developing graph-based generative AI tools for engineering and coordinating industrial agentic AI.

Beyond these, you will be expected to collaborate with other EuroFMX research and industry partners on the project’s goals by contributing to project tasks and deliverables, and attend project meetings (consortium-wide, work-package, and bilateral).

Job Requirements

We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic PhD candidate who meets the following requirements:

• A master's degree in computer science, mathematics, artificial intelligence, or a closely related field, with a background in one or more of: process mining, knowledge graphs, machine learning, probabilistic modelling, or formal methods.
• Affinity with process-aware systems, business process management, or formal modelling (e.g., Petri nets, knowledge graphs, graph-based models).
• Experience with or strong interest in ontologies and knowledge graphs, probabilistic reasoning, Bayesian methods, or active inference.
• Solid programming skills (Python).
• A research-oriented attitude with the ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary, international team.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Embedding in a world-class consortium of 69 European partners from industry and research.
• Access to European AI Factories, HPC facilities, and manufacturing testbeds across Europe.
• Opportunities for international travel and collaboration.
• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

As one of the largest and most dynamic academic communities in the Netherlands, the department Mathematics and Computer Science (M&CS) brings together more than 140 scientific staff, over 250 PhD and EngD candidates, and nearly 3000 students. We collaborate closely with leading industrial partners in the Brainport Eindhoven region and with universities across the globe—creating a uniquely fertile environment for both fundamental breakthroughs and applied innovation.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact Gyunam Park, [email protected] or Dirk Fahland, [email protected].

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HR Services, [email protected].

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.