Issue 54 : March, 2016
Job Opportunities
PhD position: Aggregative control of large-scale multi-agent systems.
Eindhoven University of Technology, Control Systems group, The Netherlands.
Within this PhD project, the candidate will develop novel control and optimization methodologies for
large-scale multi-agent systems, specifically for large populations of strategic agents with local
control capability, interacting through physical and information networks. A key challenge in
regulating such large populations is that the dynamical behavior of the overall system is highly
complex, in the sense that it includes the dynamical evolution of a large number of subsystems,
each depending on the local variables (e.g. states and inputs), the coupling with non-local
variables, the networked information, the local and global utility functions, besides uncertain
variables and inputs.
The candidate will model and analyze the decision-making processes of the subsystems and
develop scalable control and optimization methods to steer their aggregate emerging behavior
toward desirable equilibrium states.
Application domains include future smarter grids and user-centric intelligent mobility, e.g. focusing
on the matching between distributed demand and supply in the presence of uncertain factors.
We are looking for a candidate with a master degree (or close to completion) in systems and
control, applied mathematics, electrical or mechanical engineering, or a related field, and with a
strong background or interest in dynamical systems, automatic control, optimization, game theory.
The candidate is expected to work at the interface of several disciplines.
A good command of the English language is required (knowledge of Dutch is not required). We
offer the opportunity to accomplish scientifically challenging research in a multi-disciplinary
research group. The appointment will be for up to 4 years. The PhD student will be able to
participate in the training and research activities of the Dutch Institute of Systems and Control
(DISC). As an employee of the Eindhoven University of Technology, the PhD student will receive a
competitive salary, as well as excellent secondary benefits. Assistance with accommodation can
be arranged.
More information about the vacancy and the PhD program can be obtained from Sergio
Grammatico ([email protected]) and at
Candidates should include the following documents in their application: cv, short statement of
motivation and research interests (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 documents (e.g. thesis, conference/journal publication).
Candidates shall email their application to Sergio Grammatico ([email protected]). The starting
date is flexible, but ideally would be within March 2016.
PhD Studentship: The University of Sheffield, U.K.
The Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering (ACSE), The University of
Sheffield.
ACSE is one of the largest departments devoted to the subject in Europe, with 29 academic staff,
43 research staff, 29 professional and support staff, and nearly 400 taught and research students.
We are a world leading research department; our research was ranked 1st for quality of research
publications and 3rd for overall research quality in the UK in the 2014 Research Excellence
Framework (REF) assessment.
ACSE offers opportunities for a PhD in one of the two topics below.
Topic 1: Opinion Dynamics, and Diffusion of Innovation in Social Networks.
You will deal with convergence analysis of consensus network dynamics under the influence of
external manipulators, malicious agents, stubborn agents, or zealots. You will develop multi-scale
multi-level dynamic models combining complex networks (structured environment), game theory
(strategic thinking), and control theory (feedback and learning) both at a behavioral and information
level.
Topic 2: Collective Decision Making for Energy Efficiency and Intelligent Mobility.
You will deal with the analysis and design of market mechanisms, incentive schemes, business
models to induce socially optimal behaviors of end-use customers. You will develop micro-macro
models capturing the interactions between individuals, groups and the environment. You will use
mean-field game theoretic models to describe how individuals respond to a population behavior
and how the population behavior evolves if individuals are rational decision-makers. You will build
coalitional game models to study incentives for people to join demand-side-management
programs.
Prospective Applicants can also apply for University's PhD Scholarships or Departmental PhD
Scholarships specifying Dr. Dario Bauso as supervisor. Full details of the Scholarships program
can be found at:
Prospective Applicants should have a good first degree and/or Masters degree in mathematics or
engineering or related subject. In addition, they should also have a background in systems and
control theory, optimization, operational research, or game theory as well as a familiarity with
computing software (MATLAB or similar). An interest in interdisciplinary studies is also desirable.
Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dario Bauso ([email protected]) for more
information on the proposal and scholarship submission procedure.
The deadline for PhD Scholarship applications is 5pm, Tuesday 2 February 2016.
Postgraduate research position: Università del Salento, Italy
Postgraduate (toward PhD) research positions are available within the ERC Starting Grant project
OPT4SMART. Research will be conducted at the Università del Salento (Lecce, Italy), under the
supervision of Prof. Giuseppe Notarstefano.
We are looking for motivated, talented graduate students from all over the world, who wish to:
- undertake PhD research at the cutting edge of optimization and control in cyber-physical
networks;
- contribute to the startup of an excellent, international new research group;
- study in one of the most beautiful Italian cities with a great quality of life.
The candidate will be enrolled for 1 year as a postgraduate with the possibility to be enrolled for a 3
years PhD position according to the application procedure at Università del Salento. We offer a
competitive scholarship.
About OPT4SMART (Distributed optimization methods for smart cyber-physical networks):
OPT4SMART is a 5 years research project funded under the EU Horizon 2020 excellence program
“ERC Starting Grant”, http://erc.europa.eu, supporting investigator-driven frontier research on the
basis of scientific excellence. OPT4SMART will investigate a novel distributed, large-scale
optimization framework and its application to big-data estimation, learning, decision and control
problems in cyber-physical networks.
The desired candidate holds a Master degree (or equivalent, giving access to doctoral studies) in
Engineering (preferably ECE, ME, AE), (Applied) Mathematics or related fields, and has
- an excellent academic record showing excellent analytical skills;
- a strong mathematical background including optimization and preferably systems and control
theory;
- strong interest in optimization and at least one of: control theory, estimation, machine
learning;
- proficiency in oral and written English.
The above skills and background should clearly appear from the candidate CV, from the bachelor
and master records and from the master thesis.
Contact: For information about the positions and the official calls you can send an email to
[email protected] with subject ``OPT4SMART PhD-student last-name".
Faculty: Texas A&M University, USA
Assistant, Associate or Full Professor - Electronic Systems Engineering Technology
The Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution (ETID) at Texas A&M
University invites applications for a tenure track faculty position at the assistant professor,
associate professor, or full professor level with expertise in electronic systems engineering
technology. The successful applicant will teach undergraduate students; advise/mentor graduate
students; develop an independent, externally funded research program; participate in department
activities; and serve the profession. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required.
Academic and research programs can be found at https://engineering.tamu.edu/etid .
Applicants must have an earned doctorate in an appropriate engineering or a closely related
background conducive to the development of an applied and/or educational research program by
being able to work closely with industry and/or government agencies. A combination of academic
and industrial experience is highly desired. Candidates with recent and relevant hands-on and
industry experience in embedded systems, cyber physical systems, wireless communications,
and/or product innovation and development are encouraged to apply.
To apply, go to http://www.tamengineeringjobs.com . Full consideration will be given to applications
received by December 15, 2015. After that date, applications may be considered until position is
filled. Appointment begins fall 2016.
Members of Texas A&M Engineering are all Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity
Employers. It is the policy of these members in all aspects of operations each person shall be
considered solely on the basis of qualifications, without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national
origin, age, disabilities or veteran status.
Faculty: University of Cincinnati, USA
Assistant Professor position:
The Departments of Psychology and Biological Science in the McMicken College of Arts &
Sciences and the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Cincinnati are
jointly seeking applications for an interdisciplinary, tenure-track Assistant Professor position. We
seek a candidate whose research program complements our existing strengths in the dynamics of
sensorimotor control, cognitive systems, and coordination of multiple human and/or artificial
agents. A successful candidate will have expertise in complex dynamical systems, such as
dynamical or computational modeling, network theory, nonlinear time series and signal processing
methods, or advanced computational methods for large, complex data sets. We seek candidates
who apply those or related methods to research in topical areas such as dynamical neuroscience,
neuromechanics, cyber-human systems, robotics and co-robotics, integrated neural prosthetics,
cyber-enhancement of sensorimotor or cognitive performance, brain-machine interfaces, or
neurologically embedded biosensors.
We are interested in candidates whose training or publication record evidences the ability to bridge
disciplinary boundaries and collaborate with faculty affiliated with the UC CAP Center (from home
departments including Psychology, Electrical Engineering & Computing Systems, Mechanical
Engineering, Philosophy, and Biological Sciences). Current CAP Center faculty expertise and
interests include cognitive and perceptual-motor development, embodied cognition, complex
systems, dynamical and computational modeling, movement coordination, human and animal
sensory processes including visual and haptic perception, social perception-action-cognition,
dynamical neuroscience, biomorphic design, and cyber-human systems. A Ph.D. in a substantive
area that aligns with the research topics described above is a minimum requirement for the
position. A successful candidate’s training or professional experience must also indicate a strong
potential or demonstrated ability to compete successfully for external funding. The candidate will be
expected to conduct research, teach at the graduate and undergraduate levels, and make service
contributions to the mission of the CAP Center and department or departments of appointment.
We are especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching,
and service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community and we hope to attract
applicants who have experience in promoting the success of students from diverse backgrounds.
The University of Cincinnati values diverse perspectives and we strongly encourage women,
racial/ethnic/gender minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans to apply. UC is responsive to
the needs of dual career couples and is dedicated to work-life integration. The University of
Cincinnati is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Interested and qualified candidates
must apply online at https://jobs.uc.edu and search for Requisition Number 9242. In addition to our
online application, candidates must also attach a cover letter, CV, research statement, and
teaching statement as a single PDF file and arrange for three confidential letters of
recommendation to be emailed to the search committee chair at [email protected]. We will
begin reviewing applications on December 20, 2015, and continue until the position is filled.
The University of Cincinnati is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity
Employer/M/F/Vet/Disabled.
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