PhD Position in Engineering at the Delft University of Technology

The Delft University of Technology offers a PhD Position in Engineering to highly motivative candidates for the academic session 2021-2022. Successful PhD candidate will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School.

Summary

Project Description

TU Delft is a top tier university and is exceedingly active in the field of Artificial intelligence. The HERALD lab is devoted to developing novel computational frameworks to enable AI-based systems to safely and robustly interact with humans and the uncertain environment around them. Our long-term ambition is to lay a foundation for the development of future automated driving systems which can reliably and beneficially interact with humans while maintaining human responsibility for their operation.

On this PhD project, you will investigate the combination of Bayesian machine learning approaches and formal methods from computer science and control theory to devise solutions to problems in the context of data-driven control systems. The project will significantly shift towards Bayesian (deep) models for enabling probabilistic reasoning over the correctness of AI-based control systems w.r.t. complex specifications.

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is April 05, 2021

Eligibility Criteria

• An MSc degree in systems and control, applied mathematics, electrical engineering, computer science, or related fields
• Basic knowledge of control systems theory and/or machine learning (waived if the candidate is exceptionally skilled in theoretical computer science or probability theory).
• Strong analytical skills and an ability to work at the intersection of several research domains, particularly control systems theory and computer science
• Necessary programming skills in Python, C/C++ are expected
• Good command of the English language and good communication skills

Conditions of employment

TU Delft offers DAI-Lab PhD-candidates a 5-year contract, with an official go/no progress assessment after one year. The duration of your employment contract corresponds to the envisaged time of 5 years to complete your Doctoral programme as agreed with you. As a DAI lab PhD candidate, you will be deployed explicitly for AI-related education within the DAI labs programme. Therefore the duration of your employment contract is five years instead of a standard four year PhD contract. The extra year accommodates the additional teaching load concerning AI, Data and Digitalization education-related activities.

Salary and benefits follow the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2395 per month in the first year to € 3217 in the fifth year. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants, we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

The Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world-class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft, we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to impact a global scale positively.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The faculty of 3mE carries out pioneering research, leading to new fundamental insights and challenging applications in mechanical engineering. From large-scale energy storage, medical instruments, control technology and robotics to smart materials, nanoscale structures and autonomous ships. The foundations and results of this research are reflected in outstanding, contemporary education, inspiring students and PhD candidates to become socially engaged and responsible engineers and scientists.

The faculty of 3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with an international scope and high-tech lab facilities. Research and education focus on the design, manufacture, application and modification of products, materials, processes and mechanical devices, contributing to the development and growth of a sustainable society, as well as prosperity and welfare.

HERALD lab is a Delft Artificial Intelligence Lab. Artificial Intelligence, Data and Digitalisation are becoming increasingly important when looking for answers to significant scientific and societal challenges. In a DAI-lab, experts inthe fundamentals of AI technology’ and experts in ‘AI challenges’ run a shared lab.

As a PhD, you will work with at least two academic staff members and three other PhD candidates. In total, TU Delft will establish 24 DAI-Labs, where 48 Tenure Trackers and 96 PhD candidates will have the opportunity to push the boundaries of science using AI. You will be a member of the thriving DAI-Lab community that fosters cross-fertilisation between talents with different expertise and disciplines

Each team is driven by research questions that arise from scientific and societal challenges and contribute to the development and execution of domain-specific education. You will receive a 5-year contract and be deployed for AI-related education for the usual teaching effort for PhD students in the faculty plus an additional 20%.

The extra year compared to the standard 4-year contract accommodates the 20% different AI, Data and Digitalisation education-related activities. All team members have many opportunities for self-development. You will work at the Delft Centre of Systems and Control (DCSC) and supervised by Luca Laurenti.

Department

The Delft Centre for Systems and Control (DCSC) coordinates the education and research activities in systems and control at Delft University of Technology. The Centre’s research mission is to conduct fundamental research in systems dynamics and control, involving dynamic modelling, advanced control theory, optimisation and signal analysis.

The study is motivated by advanced technology development in physical imaging systems, robotics and transportation systems. The group actively participates in the Dutch Institute of Systems and Control (DISC).

Additional information

For information about this vacancy and the selection procedure, please contact Luca Laurenti, Assistant Professor, email: L.Laurenti@tudelft.nl.

Application Process

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before April 05, 2021, via the application button and upload the following pdf files:

• 1-page Motivation letter, your CV
• M.Sc. thesis or a paper that you have written, in which you demonstrate your writing skills
• Academic transcripts of both your BSc and MSc degrees

Please highlight your motivation letter and/or CV examples of projects and achievements that demonstrate your relevant competences.

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