PhD on hierarchical diagnostics of complex dynamical systems

Introduction

Are you passionate about mathematical systems and control theory? Are you interested in fault diagnostics for complex, interconnected dynamical systems? Are you eager to apply and valorize scientific results in this field in high-tech domains such as semiconductor machines, together with a highly innovative industrial partner in the Brainport region? Then, this PhD position is made for you!

Job Description

We invite highly motivated students with a strong background in dynamical systems, mathematical systems and control theory, and machine learning 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.

Complex dynamical systems, such as semiconductor equipment, consists of many interconnected modules, which are functionally, digitally and physically connected. The throughput of the equipment relies on continuous runtime while meeting stringent requirements on accuracy and performance. Therefore, monitoring the health of these systems is crucial, which is now largely performed by human experts. The aim of this PhD project is to design innovative monitoring algorithms for complex dynamical systems to automate fault isolation with provable diagnostics performance guarantees.

Current health monitoring technology is typically designed for either (i) individual system components/modules (which would require removing the component from the system, which is not possible in practice), or (ii) for the system as a whole. The first approach fails to account for the interaction between modules and its effect on the whole system. The second approach makes it challenging to isolate which module may be failing and how to zoom in on the part of the system what is the root cause of the failure. This PhD position will address this challenge by developing hierachical diagnostic tools for complex dynamical systems.

This PhD position is part of the project on ‘Holistic Design Automation for Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment’, in which 6 PhD students will be employed at the Eindhoven University of Technology in the department of Mechanical Engineering, as well as the departments of Electrical Engineering and Mathematics and Computer Science. You will have the chance to collaborate with ASML 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 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, Tom Oomen and Michelle Chong.

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.
• Affinity with application domains within mechanical engineering such as, e.g., 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 and control.
• 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

• Dr. Michelle S. Chong, m.s.t.chong@tue.nl, https://www.michellestchong.com/
• Prof.dr.ir. Nathan van de Wouw, n.v.d.Wouw@tue.nl, https://vandewouw.dc.tue.nl/

at the Dynamics and Control Section, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, The Netherlands.

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 now'-button on this page. 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.

We look forward to your application and will screen it as soon as we have received it. Screening will continue until the positions have been filled.