Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) is seeking full-time Postdoctoral Researchers for its Industrial Intelligent Agent Research Center. The position was reposted on Oct 20, having initially been posted on Aug 17, and falls under the categories of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering and Computer Science. The salary is described as competitive in the market, and the university sponsors working visas and residence permits in China for staff.

XJTLU was created in 2006 by the University of Liverpool and Xi’an Jiaotong University, a top-ten university in China. Offering a unique international education experience, XJTLU brings together excellent research practice and expertise from both institutions and gives students the skills and knowledge they need to secure careers in a global marketplace. The university offers undergraduates and postgraduates over 100 programmes across a diverse spectrum of courses. With a focus on innovative learning, teaching and research, XJTLU draws on the strengths of its parent universities and plays a pivotal role in facilitating access to China for UK and other institutional partners, while exploring future education by blending educational theory, best practice and culture from West and East.

The Industrial Intelligent Agent Research Center, aligned with national smart manufacturing strategies, is committed to building a world-leading technological innovation platform for industrial intelligence. The center focuses on a tripartite technical system of “Equipment Automation – Operation & Maintenance Intelligence – System Autonomy,” aiming to drive profound transformation in industrial manufacturing by breaking through key technologies in smart equipment, industrial software and system solutions. It collaborates closely with industrial giants such as Hengtong, Haier and Bond Tech to create a complete value chain from theoretical innovation to industrial application.

The center is seeking candidates in two research areas. The first is Industrial AI Algorithm and Autonomous Decision-Making Systems. Responsibilities include researching and developing autonomous decision-making algorithms for process industries (such as chemical, pharmaceutical, materials and energy) or discrete manufacturing (such as electronics assembly, automotive and home appliances); exploring the integration of large language models and reinforcement learning for real-time optimization, fault self-recovery and production scheduling in industrial processes; publishing research results in top-tier international conferences and journals and participating in applying for domestic and international patents; and assisting in supervising PhD and Master’s students and participating in the center’s collaborative projects with industry partners to promote the industrialization of technology.

Essential qualifications for this area include a PhD (obtained or soon to be obtained) in Computer Science, Automation, Artificial Intelligence, Operations Research or a related field; a solid research background and practical experience in one or more of reinforcement learning/deep reinforcement learning, fine-tuning and application of large language models, time-series data prediction and modeling, or intelligent decision-making and optimization algorithms; strong programming skills (proficiency in Python, PyTorch/TensorFlow and similar tools); strong intellectual curiosity, the ability to solve problems independently and excellent teamwork spirit; and outstanding written and oral communication skills in both Chinese and English.

The second research area is Industrial Digital Twin and Intelligent Control Systems. Responsibilities include developing industrial process digital twin models based on the fusion of mechanistic and data-driven approaches; developing predictive maintenance and fault diagnosis algorithms for critical equipment such as compressors and reaction kettles; researching advanced process control strategies and deploying them on the center’s distributed control systems and edge computing devices; working closely with industry partners to validate and optimize developed technologies in real industrial environments; and publishing high-quality academic papers and participating in writing research grant proposals.

Essential qualifications for this area include a PhD (obtained or soon to be obtained) in Control Science and Engineering, Process Control, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science or a related field; in-depth research experience and solid expertise in one or more of advanced process control and optimization, digital twin and modeling and simulation, predictive maintenance and fault diagnosis, or industrial IoT and edge computing; good programming skills (such as Python, MATLAB and C++) and experience with system simulation; experience with industrial field projects or familiarity with DCS/MES systems is preferred; and excellent teamwork and communication skills.

The center also outlines personal attributes sought in applicants: initiative, with a proactive and self-driven approach to work and the ability to identify research opportunities, propose new ideas and seek solutions to research challenges; collaboration, with the ability to communicate effectively, listen actively and contribute constructively to group discussions; resilience, maintaining a positive attitude and adaptability in the face of setbacks or unexpected outcomes; and ethical conduct, adhering to ethical guidelines, promoting responsible research practices and ensuring the safety and well-being of themselves and others in the research environment.

In terms of career development, the center offers a clear career development path with annual review and provides professional development training.

Interested applicants are required to submit their application with the following files combined into a single PDF titled “Digital Twin and Control Systems Postdoc Application – Your Name”: a detailed CV including a list of publications; a research statement summarizing past research achievements and future research interests; three representative publications; and three reference letters or contact information for referees.

For specific enquiries relating to the position, applicants may email the HRBP at yu.yan@xjtlu.edu.cn.