PhD in Systems and Control

A fully funded PhD position in the broad field of systems and control is available at the University of Groningen, the Netherlands. The specific subject of the project will be determined collaboratively with the selected candidate to ensure a good fit and to attract top talent. Possible topics include, but are not limited to, the following: systems and control theory, feedback optimization, distributed control, consensus protocols, nonlinear control, robust control, with application to energy systems (e.g. smart grids, district heating, hydrogen networks) and traffic networks.

Apart from the research project, the candidate is expected to contribute (~10% of total workload) to the teaching and supervision of Bachelor and Master students.

The position will be supervised by Prof. Michele Cucuzzella, and the candidate will be embedded at the Engineering Technology Institute of the University of Groningen (ENTEG). ENTEG research is highly multidisciplinary in nature and focuses on both fundamental and applied research. The candidate will be a member of the Jan C. Willems Center for Systems and Control which is recognized for its long tradition in mathematical systems theory and its strength in linear/nonlinear systems analysis and control of complex networks. According to the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2023, Automation and Control Engineering at the University of Groningen is ranked 3rd in Europe and 19th worldwide.

The University of Groningen is a research university with a global outlook, deeply rooted in Groningen, City of Talent. Quality has had top priority for four hundred years, and with success: the University is currently in or around the top 100 on several influential ranking lists.

We are looking for candidates with a strong mathematical background and a Master degree in Control Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
Note that the faculty enforces proof of proficiency in English: https://www.rug.nl/education/phd-programmes/prospective/phd-positions/

We offer you, following the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

- A salary of € 2,770 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 3,539 gross per month in the fourth and final year for a full-time working week.
- A holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
- A temporary full-time position (1.0 FTE) will be offered of one year with the option of renewal for another three years. Prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next three years is to be expected. A PhD training programme is part of the agreement and the successful candidate will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering.