2 PhD positions on contract-based design of complex dynamical systems

Introduction

Are you passionate about dynamical systems and system theory? Are you interested in making the design process of complex dynamical systems simpler by smart new tools for systems engineering? Are you eager to apply and valorize scientific results in this field in high-tech domains such as semiconductor machines and robots, together with highly innovative companies? Would you like to work in a team of 4 PhD students? Then, these PhD positions are made for you!

Job Description

We invite highly motivated students with a strong background in dynamical systems, mathematical system theory and control, and structural dynamics to apply for one of these PhD positions within the Dynamics and Control section at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology. The mission of the Dynamics and Control Section is to perform research and train next-generation students [BB1] on the topic of understanding and predicting the dynamics of complex engineering systems in order to develop advanced control, estimation, planning, and learning strategies which are at the core of the intelligent autonomous systems of the future: Designing and realizing smart autonomous systems for industry and society.

Complex high-tech systems, such as semiconductor equipment, robots, industrial printers, self-driving cars, electron microscopes, etc., consists of many interconnected modules, together warranting the functionalities with[BB2]  extreme requirements on speed and accuracy, for example to make the AI chips of the future. Translating requirements on the dynamical behaviour of the system as whole to design specifications (on dynamical behaviour) for these modules is an extremely challenging task, now typically performed by highly experienced system engineers.

Within this project, in which 4 PhD students will be employed (two at the Eindhoven University of Technology and two at Groningen University, both in the Netherlands), you will develop novel tools based on contract-based system theory to automate and make more precise these translations between system and module requirements. This will make design process both better and faster.

The first vacancy at TU/e involves a position with which tools will be developed to analyze system-level dynamics-related requirements (on both time- and frequency domain behaviour) on the basis of such requirements on the modules of which the system consists. Within the second vacancy, this challenge is considered for a particularly important class of systems, namely second-order structural dynamics systems with nonlinearities, often encountered in mechatronic and robotic applications.

You will have the chance to collaborate with 4 different high-tech companies in the field of chip manufacturing and robotics to apply the developed results in an industrial context, thereby building both a strong academic and industrial profile.

You will have access to the graduate courses at the Dutch Institute of Systems and Control (DISC) and the Engineering Mechanics Research School (EM) and will have the opportunity to collaborate with industry in the Brainport region and academic researchers worldwide. By joining us, you will be part of a vibrant community of more than 60 researchers including faculty members, postdocs and PhDs working on diverse topics in the field of dynamical systems and control and its applications. 

This PhD position is jointly supervised by Nathan van de Wouw and Bart Besselink (University of Groningen).

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in systems and control, mechanical engineering[BB1] or applied mathematics.
• Strong background in dynamical systems and systems and control theory.
• Affinity with application domains within mechanical engineering such as mechatronics or robotics.
• Knowledge of at least one programming language: Matlab, Python, is expected.
• Experience and/or a keen interest in the field of complex dynamical systems.
• Eager to work within a team and independently.
• Ability to collaborate with industry and academic researchers.
• Fluent in spoken and written English. 

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: 
• 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. € 2,901 max. € 3,707).  
• 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.  
• 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. 

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager prof.dr.ir. Nathan van de Wouw, Dynamics and Control Section, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. N.v.d.Wouw@tue.nl, http://vandewouw.dc.tue.nl/.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR advice, HRadviceME@tue.nl or +31 40 2475902.

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:

• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications (if applicable) and the contact information of references.
• An explanation of your interest in the proposed research topic.
• Copies of diplomas and academic transcripts with grades from prior university studies.
• Brief description of your MSc thesis and/or relevant research projects.

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.