PhD in SecReSy4You MSCA Network on Cyber-Physical Systems Security focusing on Resilient Control

Introduction

Are you passionate about mathematical systems and control theory? Do you want to develop cutting-edge control algorithms for the security and resilience of cyber-physical systems? We welcome you to apply for a PhD position in the SecReSy4You Doctoral Network, a European Union-wide Doctoral Network funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA). This advertisement focuses on the position (DC3) hosted at the Dynamics and Control section, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, the Netherlands. For a complete list of available positions, please visit the network’s website http://www.secresy4you.eu.

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 Netherlands. 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 control laws for hybrid dynamical systems (cyber-physical systems) which are resilient 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 Doctoral network on the security and resilience of critical cyber physical systems – SecReSy4You, funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks scheme (https://secresy4you.eu). You will be one of the 10 doctoral candidates, hosted across 9 academic institutions throughout Europe (2 PhDs will be hosted at the dynamics and control section in TU/e). The doctoral candidates will collaborate on modeling threat actors, developing scalable AI-based monitoring and control systems, and designing strategies to ensure long-term CPS protection. Through a comprehensive training program combining technical expertise with transferable skills, they will be well-prepared for careers in this rapidly evolving field. SecReSy4You will drive innovation in CPS security through cutting-edge research, industry collaboration, and the development of practical tools tailored to real-world challenges. The network brings together leading research institutions and companies from Austria, Cyprus, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the Netherlands. It comprises 10 closely connected research projects and a joint doctoral training program.

Additionally, you will have access to the graduate courses at the Dutch Institute of Systems and Control (DISC). 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.

Your responsibilities and duties include:

• Interdisciplinary research on CPS resilience and security with a focus on resilient control for hybrid dynamical systems.
• Publication of scientific results in top journals and at flagship conferences.
• Contributions to network-wide events. Perform academic and industrial secondments.
• Contributions to teaching tasks (minimum of 10% of your four-year employment, and a maximum of 15% per year of your employment).

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in systems and control, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or applied mathematics.
• The MSCA mobility rule requires applicants to not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their host organization for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment date.
• 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.  
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• 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.

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering department conducts world-class research aligned with the technological interests of the high-tech industry in the Netherlands, with a focus on the Brainport region. Our goal is to produce engineers who are both scientifically educated and application-driven by providing a balanced education and research program that combines fundamental and application aspects. We equip our graduates with practical and theoretical expertise, preparing them optimally for future challenges.

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.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

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 the following documents as a single PDF file:

• 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.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

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