PhD Position in Data-Driven Distributed Game Theory

1000scholars; Delft; On-site; EUR 38,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

8% holiday allowance

End-of-year bonus 8.3%

Discounts on health insurance

Job summary

1000scholars is seeking a PhD candidate to develop distributed computational methods for data-driven game-theoretic control within the ERC-funded project ARGON at TU Delft. You will work in the Delft Center for Systems and Control (DCSC) on optimization-based, data-driven control for large-scale multi-agent systems.

You will conduct theoretical and computational research on dynamic game theory, building on distributed optimization and convex-monotone game theory to address energy, mobility, and

Qualifications

• MSc degree (or close to completion) in Systems and Control, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related field.
• Experience with Systems and Control, Optimization, or Game Theory.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, curiosity and diligence.
• Strong communication skills and excellent command of English; Dutch not required.

Responsibilities

• Analyze the complexity of distributed game equilibrium problems.
• Develop data-driven decomposition methods for structured game equilibrium problems.
• Develop data-driven, fast and scalable computational methods for game equilibrium problems.
• Develop an open-source toolbox for dynamic game equilibrium problems.

Skills

Systems and Control

Optimization

Game Theory

Strong English

Education

MSc in Systems and Control

Near completion MSc

Applied Mathematics

Job description

Job description

Shape intelligent control and coordination in future complex systems, from sustainable energy grids to autonomous mobility. In this ERC-funded PhD project, you develop cutting‑edge game‑theoretic control and optimization methods.

Modern society depends on complex, interconnected systems such as sustainable power grids, autonomous vehicles and human‑machine collaborative systems. Ensuring that these systems operate safely, efficiently and fairly is a major scientific and societal challenge. It requires fundamentally new approaches to control and optimization in environments where multiple agents interact under uncertainty and constraints.

In this PhD project at TU Delft, you will develop distributed computational methods for game‑theoretic control and optimization to address these challenges. As part of the European Research Council (ERC)-funded project “Data‑driven Game Theoretic Control for Constrained Systems” (ARGON), you will work at the forefront of fundamental research with high potential for technological impact.

You will conduct theoretical and computational research on dynamic game theory and multi‑agent optimization for uncertain systems. By building on tools from distributed optimization, convex‑monotone game theory, and hybrid systems, you will develop new computational frameworks for data‑driven game‑theoretic control in large‑scale multi‑agent systems. These methods will contribute to applications such as multi‑actor power grids, multi‑vehicle automated driving and human‑machine collaboration, enabling safer, more efficient and more sustainable operations.

Your responsibilities

• Analyze the complexity of relevant structured classes of distributed game equilibrium problems.
• Develop data‑driven decomposition methods for structured game equilibrium problems.
• Develop data‑driven, fast and scalable computational methods for game equilibrium problems.
• Develop an open‑source computational toolbox for dynamic game equilibrium problems.

Teaching activities are part of your PhD trajectory and may include, for example: supervising workgroups or lab sessions, assisting in courses, or mentoring BSc and MSc students. While teaching will not be your main responsibility, it offers valuable experience that supports your development and prepares you for future academic or professional roles.

Your work environment

You will join the Delft Center for Systems and Control (DCSC) within the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. DCSC is an internationally leading research centre where PhD candidates, postdocs and faculty members work on modelling, analysis, control and optimisation of complex dynamical systems relevant to science, engineering and society. You will focus on optimisation‑based, data‑driven and partially model‑based control methods. You will have access to a strong research network and a broad range of expertise across systems and control, optimisation and data‑driven methods. At DCSC, you will find an open and collaborative environment where interdisciplinary teamwork, intellectual curiosity and scientific excellence are valued. We work closely across research clusters and application domains such as energy, mobility and high‑tech systems, sharing a drive to deepen fundamental understanding and contribute to societally relevant, sustainable solutions.

Job requirements

You are a curious and proactive researcher who enjoys tackling complex theoretical and computational problems. You are motivated by fundamental scientific questions and take initiative in exploring novel ideas. You work well independently, while also thriving in a collaborative and internationally oriented research environment. As a strong team player, you contribute actively to discussions within a diverse research group and are open to feedback and new perspectives.

• You hold an MSc degree (or close to completion) in Systems and Control, or Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or Applied Mathematics, or related field.
• You have experience with, or a strong affinity for, Systems and Control, or Optimisation, or Game Theory.
• You demonstrate excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, combined with curiosity and diligence.
• You have strong communication skills and an excellent command of English (knowledge of Dutch is not required).

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high‑quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep‑rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high‑tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state‑of‑the‑art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well‑being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4‑year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3204 - €4051 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end‑of‑year bonus of 8.3%.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. 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 a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.