PhD in the intersection of hybrid dynamical systems, control and cyber security.

Introduction

Are you passionate about mathematical systems and control theory? Do you want to develop cutting-edge control algorithms for the security of cyber-physical systems? Then you are the PhD candidate we are looking for!

Job Description

We invite highly motivated students with a strong background in mathematical systems and control theory, and optimization to apply for the PhD position 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 on the topic of understanding and predicting the dynamics of complex engineering systems in order to develop advanced control, estimation, planning, learning and diagnostics strategies which are at the core of the intelligent autonomous systems of the future: Designing and realizing smart autonomous systems for industry and society.

This PhD position focuses on designing resilient control laws for hybrid dynamical systems (cyber-physical systems) under adversarial conditions to satisfy complex specifications. Autonomous systems such as self-driving vehicles and medical robots, need to satisfy stringent stability and performance specifications. This PhD will develop verification and synthesis methods for the resilient control of hybrid dynamical systems.

In addition to a strong background in linear systems and control theory, you must have a keen interest in nonlinear and hybrid dynamical systems and control, optimization, and its application to cyber security.  Familiarity with Lyapunov based analysis and control design tools is a must.

This PhD position is part of a European wide network on the security and resilience of critical cyber physical systems, funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks scheme (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101227389). You will be one of the 10 PhD students, hosted across 9 academic institutions throughout Europe (2 PhDs will be hosted at the dynamics and control section in TU/e) with industrial secondments at 9 industrial partners. Each PhD student will conduct two secondments, with an academic and industrial partner respectively. There will be network wide events, including academic courses, graduate schools, and a seminar series, to name a few.

Additionally, you will have access to the graduate courses at the Dutch Institute of Systems and Control (DISC) 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 is supervised by Michelle Chong and Nathan van de Wouw.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in systems and control, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or applied mathematics.
• Strong background in mathematical systems and control theory.
• Keen interest in hybrid dynamical systems, control and cyber security.
• Knowledge of at least one programming language: Matlab, Python, is expected.
• 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. € 3,059 max. € 3,881).  
• 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 dr. Michelle S. Chong, m.s.t.chong@tue.nl, https://www.michellestchong.com/.

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.