2 PhD positions on Data-based Performance Optimization of Controllers for Metrology Equipment

Are you passionate about systems and control theory? Are you interested in using data-based and learning techniques to optimize the performance of motion controllers? 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 company? Would you like to work in a team of 2 PhD students? Then, these PhD positions are made for you!

Information
We invite highly motivated students with a strong background in dynamical systems, mathematical system theory and control to apply for one of these PhD positions 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, and learning 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 high-tech systems, such as semiconductor equipment, require extremely high positioning accuracy (at nanometer level) to perform manufacturing and inspection of computer chips. In practice, the performance of (model-based) controllers is limited by model uncertainties and unknown disturbances. This project aims to develop data-based optimization techniques to automatically optimize/tune controllers to warrant optimal performance. As a core industrial use case, we will consider the metrology equipment of Nearfield Instruments (https://www.nearfieldinstruments.com/).

Within this project, in which 2 PhD students will be employed at the Eindhoven University of Technology, you will develop novel tools data-based optimization to optimize motion control performance. This will make semiconductor equipment even more precise and faster. By this you will help to shape the semiconductor technology of the future. This position will help you to build both a strong academic and industrial research 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 Netherlands 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.

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.
• 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.