Are you passionate about systems and control theory? Are you committed to securing control systems against cyber attacks? This PhD position will develop foundational theory in addressing the security of cyber-physical systems, with applications in relevant areas such as energy systems, automotive and robotics.
We invite highly motivated students with a strong background in mathematical systems and control theory to apply for a PhD position within the Dynamics and Control section at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology.
Most control systems consist of physical components like sensors and actuators which are connected via a cyber medium like the internet. These are known as cyber-physical systems where increased connectivity has the unfortunate consequence of increased vulnerability. Well-known incidents include the StuxNet malware destabilizing a nuclear reactor, the hijacking of a Jeep through its infotainment system and the release of malware on the power grids of nation states currently in conflict.
Many cyber security incidents are due to the adversary gaining access to observe and then to corrupt the system. While data protection schemes such as encryption and firewalls are typically in place for many systems, they may fail and, thus, the algorithms to estimate and control the system need to go beyond current designs. Fundamental to attack-proof algorithms is to understand how attacks affect the stability and performance of the system; and whether attacks can induce the desired system properties which are beneficial to the adversary. This PhD position will develop the foundational theory in addressing this.
You will have the opportunity to investigate cutting-edge topics, including but not limited to, networked control systems (also known as cyber-physical systems), cyber security, hybrid dynamical systems, and its applications.
You will have access to the graduate courses at the Dutch Institute of Systems and Control and have the opportunity to collaborate with industry in the Brainport regio and academic researchers worldwide. You will partake in teaching duties at the bachelor and/or masters levels. By joining us, you will be part of a vibrant community of more than 65 researchers including faculty members, postdocs and PhDs working on diverse topics in the field of systems and control and its applications.
This PhD position is jointly supervised by Michelle Chong and 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:
About us
Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.
Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.
Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact Dr. Michelle Chong, Assistant Prof. in Dynamics and Control, m.s.t.chong@tue.nl, http://michellestchong.com.
Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact t HR advice, HRadviceME@tue.nl or +31 40 2475902.
Please visit www.tue.nl/jobs to find out more about working at TU/e!
Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the 'apply now'-button on this page.
The application should include the following documents as a single PDF file:
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.