Applications are now being accepted for the 2020/21 PhD Programs at the IMT School for Advanced Stu- dies Lucca (www.imtlucca.it), one of the six Schools of Excellence in Italy and one of the highest rated graduate schools in Europe according to the most recent U-Multirank survey. Highly motivated candidates from all disciplines are invited to apply for one of the 33 fully-funded positions. The 32 scholarships are equally divided between the two doctoral Programs that integrate scientific competences of economics, engineering, computer science, neu- roscience and behavioral psychology, physics, applied mathematics, statistics, history and sciences of cultural heri- tage. One additional “Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Networks” research grant will be available for the PhD Program in “Systems Science”, track in “Computer Science and Systems Engineering” for the project Multi-field and multi-scale modeling of fracture for renewable energy applications.

The track in Computer Science and Systems Engineering provides the doctoral student with a solid interdisci- plinary background to analyze cyber-physical systems and develop solutions for a variety of complex engineering problems. It offers three research areas of specialization:

• Research in computer science deals with the development of languages, models, algorithms, and verification methods for modern distributed systems. The focus is on cutting-edge research on adaptive systems, automated verification, cloud computing, computational methods in natural sciences, cyber security, dynamical systems, mobile systems, and performance evaluation.
• Research in control systems focuses on optimization-based control of dynamical systems. The emphasis is on real-time embedded optimization algorithms for model predictive control of linear, nonlinear, stochastic, distribu- ted, and large-scale dynamical systems, on learning dynamical models and controllers from data, and on ap- plications to problems of practical interest, such as those arising from the automotive industry.
• Research in computational mechanics is concerned with the development of computational methods to study advanced problems of solid mechanics and fluid mechanics for the characterization, simulation and prototyping of materials and structures. The approach pursues an original integration of methodologies belonging to mechanics, numerical analysis, materials science, and applied chemistry, in order to advance on the fundamental issues of sustainability, durability and reliability of materials. Experimental facilities for materials testing in the MUSAM-Lab will complement the research on computational methods.

The program of studies is based on a set of common courses, covering the fundamentals of numerical linear alge- bra and numerical methods for differential equations, computer programming, dynamical systems and control, nu- merical optimization, stochastic processes, and machine learning. These are followed by a number of advanced courses and research seminars related to the different specializations.

PhD candidates in the track in Computer Science and Systems Engineering are encouraged to carry out their re- search within the Research Units SYSMA (computer science), DYSCO (control systems), and MUSAM (compu- tational mechanics). A selection of suggested PhD topics is available here. PhD candidates are however welcome to propose a research topic of their own that is aligned with the School’s main competences and interests.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

All students are based in the recently restored San Francesco complex, a fully integrated Campus in the historical center of the beautiful Tuscan city of Lucca. The Campus includes renewed residential facilities, an on-site canteen, study and living rooms, a state-of-the-art library and outdoor recreational spaces, which foster a unique cultural, professional and social environment for our doctoral program. Eligible students, in addition to free room and board, will also receive a research scholarship which amounts to approximately €15,300/year. The scholarships are fully-funded for up to four years, with a possibility of graduating after the third year.

IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca

The IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca is a Public University School for Higher Education and Research with a special statute that focuses on the analysis of economic, societal, technological and cultural systems.

The IMT School promotes the full integration of research and education.
Since its institution by ministerial decree of November 18th 2005, the School has distinguished itself thanks to the quality and innovativeness of its research and doctoral program and its interdisciplinary nature, characterized by the complementarity and discourse between methodologies drawn from economics, engineering, computer science, applied mathematics, physics, archeology, art history and the analysis and management of cultural heritage.