PhD Studentship: Data-driven Control Engineering for Large-scale Uncertain Systems

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 9,800 - 12,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Oxford invites applications for a Research Studentship in Control Theory, Optimization and Learning. This 3.5-year D.Phil. studentship focuses on data-driven control engineering for large-scale uncertain systems, using optimization and statistical learning.

Supervisors: Prof Antonis Papachristodoulou and Prof Kostas Margellos. The award covers UK course fees and a tax-free stipend: at least £10,940 p.a. fees; stipend at least £21,805 p.a.

Qualifications

• Excellent English written and spoken communication skills.
• A first class (or strong 2:1) degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or Mathematics.

Skills

English communication

Education

First class degree / strong 2:1 in Engineering, CS, Physics or Mathematics

Job description

Research Studentship in Control Theory, Optimization and Learning

3.5-year D.Phil. studentship

Project: Data-driven control engineering for large-scale uncertain systems.

Supervisors: Prof Antonis Papachristodoulou and Prof Kostas Margellos

This project will focus on solving fundamental challenges at the modernization of Control Engineering using tools from data-driven algorithms, advancements on optimization and statistical learning. Cross-fertilizing ideas across these domains can be of mutual benefit for all areas. This project will focus on how the use of learning tools can be used to improve control engineering tools. This could look at the problem of algorithm scalability and efficiency, or at how concepts such as “world models” can be used to extend our thinking about traditional modelling frameworks in control. At the same time, this project will investigate how control theory can offer robustness guarantees when employed in conjunction with such modelling concepts.

Eligibility

This studentship is open to UK students (full award – home fees plus stipend).

There may be flexibility to support international students. If you are an international student and want to apply for this studentship please contact the supervisor to see whether the flexibility might be available for you.

Award Value

Course fees are covered at the level set for UK students (at least £10940 p.a.). The stipend (tax-free maintenance grant) is at least c. £21805 p.a. for the first year, and at least this amount for a further two and a half years.

Candidate Requirements

Prospective candidates will be judged according to how well they meet the following criteria:

• A first class (or strong 2:1) degree in any of Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or Mathematics.
• Excellent English written and spoken communication skills.

It is desirable that candidates possess expertise in some (but not all, or even most) of the following areas:

• Control Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Applied Mathematics, or Computer Science
• Electrical/Mechanical Engineering and Robotics
• Programming / Software Engineering