2 PhD Positions on Merging Models and Data for Systems & Control

2 PhD Positions on Merging Models and Data for Systems & Control

Position

PhD-student

Irène Curie Fellowship

No

Department(s)

Electrical Engineering

FTE

1,0

Date off

30/03/2023

Reference number

V36.6320

Job description

Project Description

Systems and control engineers aim to master increasingly complex dynamical systems while including stronger performance, operational and energy constraints. As model-based control design remains the dominant paradigm, this results in an increasing need for nonlinear modeling. However, model interpretability and generalization capabilities form important roadblocks for a wide adaptation and applicability of nonlinear system identification methods. This ERC-funded project aims to tackle these challenges.

Strong prior knowledge is given by existing models, provided by system designers and engineers, even though they do not capture all the nonlinear dynamics of the real-life system. These models are currently not accounted for during data-driven modelling. This project aims to develop a comprehensive nonlinear system identification framework to obtain accurate and interpretable models of measured complex system dynamics by completing an approximate pre- existing model through black-box nonlinear system identification. New theory and algorithms are put in place to 1) provide model structures, algorithms and theory that flexibly interconnect the pre-existing model and the data- driven completion 2) ensure that data-driven completion models are interpretable and preserve key system theoretic aspects 3) data-driven experiment design strategies to detect, quantify and localize model errors at low experimental cost. The resulting system identification methodologies are applicable over a wide range of engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, biomedical) and provides system engineers with the necessary insight to guide them towards better solutions for tomorrow's industry.

Tasks

Study the literature of machine learning, nonlinear system identification and data-driven modelling.

Development of (control-oriented) interpretable data-driven nonlinear modeling approaches for model completion.

Stochastic analysis of consistency and convergence of the results and empirical validation of the techniques on complex physical/chemical and/or electrical/mechatronic systems.

Exploration of the steps of the identification cycle for the developed methods from experiment design to verification of model completion (validation).

Dissemination of the results of your research in international and peer- reviewed journals and conferences.

Writing a successful dissertation based on the developed research and defending it.

Assume educational tasks like the supervision of Master students and internships.

Job requirements

We are looking for a candidate who meets the following requirements:

You are a talented and enthusiastic young researcher.

You have experience with or a background in systems and control, mathematics, statistics, and signal processing. Ideally, you have experience with system identification and/or data-driven modelling.

Preferably you finished a master's in Systems and Control, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, (Applied) Physics or (Applied) Mathematics.

You have good programming skills and experience (Matlab and Python are an asset).

You have good communicative skills, and the attitude to partake successfully in the work of a research team.

You are creative and ambitious, hard-working, and persistent.

You have good command of the English language (knowledge of Dutch is not required).

Conditions of employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university with the possibility to present your work at international conferences.

A full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months.

To develop your teaching skills, you will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.

To support you during your PhD and to prepare you for the rest of your career, you will make a Training and Supervision plan and you will have free access to a personal development program for PhD students (learning process).

A gross monthly salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities.

Additionally, an annual holiday allowance of 8% of the yearly salary, plus a year-end allowance of 8.3% of the annual salary.

Should you come from abroad and comply with certain conditions, you can make use of the so-called ‘30% facility', which permits you not to pay tax on 30% of your salary.

A broad package of fringe benefits, including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes.

Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as an international spouse program, and excellent on-campus children day care and sports facilities.

Information and application

Group Description

The Control Systems (CS) group research activities span all facets of systems and control theory, such as linear, nonlinear and hybrid systems theory, model predictive control, machine learning for modelling and control, modelling and identification and formal methods in control. The CS group has a strong interconnection with other academic institutions and industry via national and European funded projects in a diverse range of application areas, often focusing on interdisciplinary research.

The PhD will join the group and interact with the other members of the CS group (around 40 researchers). Research within the CS Group is characterized by personal supervision. Furthermore, the PhD will have access to the advanced courses offered by the Dutch Institute for Systems and Control, and will be able to attend national and international scientific conferences.

For more detailed information on the activities of the group please check https:// tue.nl/cs/.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact dr. ir. Maarten Schoukens m.schoukensattue.nl. Have a look in our lab: https: // www. youtube.com/watch?v=JaEXPI8gJbU

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services, HRServices.Fluxattue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it's like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired 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:

A cover letter explaining your motivation and suitability for the position.

A list of courses and grades from your Master's programme.

A detailed curriculum vitae.

A scientific report in English, written by yourself (e.g. MSc thesis, traineeship report or scientific paper).

Contact details of two references (name, affiliation, and contact information).

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

Please keep in mind you can upload only 5 documents up to 2 MB each. If necessary, please combine files.

We do not respond to applications that are sent to us in a different way.