Project description: The candidate will conduct multi-disciplinary, algorithmic research on complex, multi-agent systems characterised by the presence of: (1) mixed cooperative and noncooperative agents; (2) high volume of historic data (big data) and forecast on the uncertain variables; (3) nonlinear system dynamics. The key challenges are to extract the knowledge hidden in the historic data, e.g. via statistical learning, and to coordinate the states and the decisions of the agents to an efficient equilibrium solution, e.g. via the principles of the sharing economy. Thus, distributed statistical learning shall be developed for cooperative game theory. The main application area is distributed, peer-to-peer energy trading in smart power grids.

The PhD position is in the context of the project “Enabling peer-to-peer energy trading by leveraging prosumer analytics” (P2P-TALES), funded by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) as a collaborative project on Energy Systems Integration and Big Data (ESI-BIDA):
https://www.nwo.nl/en/research-and-results/research-projects/i/45/30545.html

We are looking for a talented candidate who has or is close to completing an MSc degree in Systems and Control, Applied Mathematics, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, with theoretical background and interest in System Theory, Automatic Control, Optimisation, Game Theory, and a good command of the English language (knowledge of Dutch is not required).

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit graduateschool.tudelft.nl/ for more information.

For more information about this position, please contact Dr Sergio Grammatico, s.grammatico@tudelft.nl.

Applications shall include the following documents:
• curriculum vitae;
• statement of motivation and research interests (up to one page);
• transcripts of all exams taken and obtained degrees (in English);
• names and contact information of up to three references (e.g. project/thesis supervisors);
• up to two research-oriented documents (e.g. thesis, conference/journal publication).

Please e-mail your application by 31 July 2018 to Dr Sergio Grammatico, e-mail: s.grammatico@tudelft.nl and Irina Bruckner, e-mail: application-3mE@tudelft.nl.
When applying for this position, please refer to vacancy number 3ME18-04.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (the TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. The TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At the TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. The TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

http://www.tudelft.nl

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The 3mE Faculty trains committed engineering students, PhD candidates and post-doctoral researchers in groundbreaking scientific research in the fields of mechanical, maritime and materials engineering. 3mE is the epitome of a dynamic, innovative faculty, with a European scope that contributes demonstrable economic and social benefits.

The Delft Center for Systems and Control (DCSC) coordinates the education and research activities in systems and control at Delft University of Technology. The research mission of DCSC is to conduct fundamental research in systems dynamics and control, involving dynamic modelling, advanced control theory, optimisation and signal analysis. The research is motivated by advanced technology development in physical imaging systems, robotics and transportation systems.

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/3me