Postdoc In Autonomous Model Predictive Control for Process Systems

Introduction

The Control Systems Group at the Electrical Engineering Department in Eindhoven University of Technology is seeking applications for a postdoctoral researcher for 1 FTE for 2 years to contribute to the Carefree Models Project,  a large-scale initiative aimed at improving the resilience, efficiency, and sustainability of predictive models in process industries.

Job Description

Predictive models are central to Industry 4.0, yet their performance deteriorates over time due to sensor drift, process variations, and system changes. The CareFree Models Project addresses these challenges by developing frameworks for automated maintenance, adaptation, and transfer of predictive models, ensuring robust, sustainable, and efficient industrial operations.

The successful candidate will lead the Model Predictive Control (MPC) development for a drying process, one of the project’s key industrial case studies. Responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing scalable MPC strategies for dryer systems.
• Developing and integrating self-updating and adaptive predictive models into industrial operations.
• Collaborating with academic and industrial partners for validation on real-world data.
• Contributing to a transferable and scalable Industry 4.0 framework. 

Job Requirements

• Motivated researcher, with a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Control Engineering, Process Systems Engineering, or a comparable domain.
• Strong expertise in model predictive control and process modeling.
• Familiarity with industrial drying processesis desirable.
• Proficiency in optimization and simulation tools (MATLAB, Python, gProms or equivalent).
• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
• A team player who enjoys coaching PhD and Master's students and working in a dynamic, interdisciplinary team.
• A proven ability to manage complex projects to completion on schedule.
• Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English, good communication and leadership skills.

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 2 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 4,241 max. € 5,538).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager, dr. Leyla Özkan l.ozkan@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services EE, HRServices.ee@tue.nl.

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 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.
• List of five self-selected ‘best publications’.

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 Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.