Post-Doctoral Research Associate in AI-Driven Process Modelling and Control

Location: South Kensington Campus

About the role:

We are seeking a Research Associate (post-doctoral) to conduct research in AI-enabled process modelling and optimisation, as part of a new collaboration between Repsol S. A. and Imperial College London. We will study two interlinked objectives: (1) the automated generation of dynamic process models using large language models (LLMs), and (2) the data-driven discovery of control strategies trained on those models, focusing on the sim-to-real transfer gap. The work will be validated using real-world industrial case studies and is designed to produce both publishable scientific contributions and deployable engineering/software tools.

You will collaborate with Dr Calvin Tsay in the Department of Computing, along with Dr Antonio del Río Chanona and Dr Mehmet Mercangöz in the Department of Chemical Engineering, and with relevant process modelling teams at Repsol S.A., who will provide access to real-world operating data and case studies. Furthermore, the researcher will be a member of the broader Sargent Centre for Process Systems Engineering at Imperial College London. 

What you would be doing:

Alongside research and publication, you will be expected to contribute to developing, documenting, and maintaining software tools arising from the project, with the aim of releasing stable AI-enabled workflows. This role will also include:

• Building frameworks to couple AI models with process simulators.
• Designing learned representations for dynamic process systems.
• Studying data-driven and hybrid control systems.
• Conducting independent and collaborative research within the group.
• Publishing results in leading venues across applied AI, process control and process systems engineering.
• Contributing to research projects involving optimisation and machine learning.

What we are looking for:

Candidates should have, or expect shortly to obtain, a PhD in Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Operations Research, or a closely related discipline or hold equivalent research/industrial experience.   You will have practical experience within a research environment and publications in top conferences or journals in the field and experience of the following:

• dealing with industry partners and research collaborators
• applied AI, process systems engineering, mathematical optimisation, and/or applied mathematics
• a broad range of techniques for data-driven control, including data-driven MPC, system identification, and/or reinforcement learning

Please see job description for a full list of requirements.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution.
• Access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 43 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• A diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further Information

Fixed term position for 12 months, with possible extension subject to funding.

*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant within salary range £45,399 - £48,876 per annum. 

In addition to completing the online application please attach: 

• Full CV with a list of all publications
• Research statement indicating what you see are interesting research issues relating to the above post and why your expertise is relevant

Informal enquiries related to the position should be directed to Dr Calvin Tsay, c.tsay@imperial.ac.uk

Direct queries regarding the application process to: j.perrins@imperial.ac.uk

Closing Date: 3rd December 2026 (midnight)

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