Die Universität von heute, für das Wissen von morgen

UMIT TIROL – Private University for Health Sciences and Technology GmbH – is an accredited and internationally recognised private university owned by the Province of Tyrol and the Leopold Franzens University of Innsbruck, with its headquarters in Hall in Tyrol, Austria. In interdisciplinary teams, we conduct forward-looking research, innovative teaching and active knowledge transfer to society. As an important research and cooperation partner, the university also shapes regional development strategies. We offer our employees in research, teaching, technology and administration a lively, family-friendly and equal opportunity working environment with short decision-making processes and a wide range of opportunities.

The Institute of Automation and Control Engineering (IACE, (Head: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Frank Woittennek) in the Department of Biomedical Informatics and Mechatronics is looking for a

PhD Student / Junior Researcher in Control Engineering

at an employment level of 100% (40 hours / week) and a fixed-term employment contract of initially 3 years.

The Institute focuses on model-based control of linear and nonlinear systems as well as distributed parameter systems. Current research topics include time-optimal control of mechatronic systems in the semiconductor sector, control of exhaust aftertreatment systems in large gas engines, mobile robotics, and the control theory of distributed parameter systems. As part of your employment at IACE, you will work on an industry-related research project involving the development and implementation of advanced control algorithms for pick-and-place devices used in semiconductor production. Advancements in process nodes and ongoing miniaturization are increasing placement accuracy requirements. Consequently, elastic machine deformations and the resulting oscillations must be considered explicitly.

Your tasks:

• research related to the above application (with the aim of writing a dissertation):
• develop and optimize advanced trajectory‑planning algorithms for fast, oscillation‑free motion with real‑time capability
• design, implement, and validate control and state‑estimation algorithms on industrial hardware (PLC).
• prepare, conduct, and analyze experiments both in the laboratory and on production machinery
• collaborate closely with industrial partners throughout all stages of the research
• preparation of scientific journal and conference publications and presentations at scientific conferences in the above areas
• participation in university teaching (if applicable)

Your profile:

• university diploma or master's degree in mechatronics, electrical engineering, cybernetics, systems engineering, mathematics, or physics
• strong foundation in systems theory and control, ideally including exposure to optimal control and trajectory planning.
• proficient in MATLAB or Python for modeling, simulation, and algorithm development.
• experience with industrial control technology or PLC environments is an advantage.
• willingness to work closely with industrial partners and collaborate with researchers across institutions.
• strong analytical mindset, structured working style, and motivation to engage in experimental validation on laboratory and industrial equipment.

The salary is based on the salary scale and job classification scheme of UMIT TIROL. A gross monthly salary of at least € 2,900 (14 times per year). Depending on qualifications and experience, a higher salary may be paid

UMIT TIROL values diversity and therefore welcomes all applications – regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, world view, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity. The university is also committed to promoting women in science and therefore expressly encourages qualified women to apply.

Please submit your application with the usual documents (letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, references) until June 30th, 2026 exclusively in electronic form:

If you have any questions, please contact Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Frank Woittennek, Institute of Automation and Control Engineering, UMIT TIROL, .

UMIT TIROL – Private Universität für Gesundheitswissenschaften und -technologie GmbH, Eduard-Wallnöfer-Zentrum 1,
6060 Hall in Tirol, Österreich, T +43-50-8648-3000

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