PhD in secure estimation and control of cyber-physical systems

Position PhD-student

Irène Curie Fellowship No

Department(s) Mechanical Engineering

FTE 1,0

Date off 20/10/2024

Reference number V35.7723

Job description

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.

Job requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in systems and control or applied mathematics.
• Strong background in nonlinear and/or hybrid dynamical systems and the feedback control of these systems.
• Knowledge of at least one programming language: Matlab, Python, is expected.
• Experience and/or a keen interest in the cyber security of networked control systems.
• Eager to work within a team and independently.
• Ability to collaborate with industry and academic researchers.
• Fluent in spoken and written English.

Conditions of employment

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:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,872 max. €3,670).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

Information and application

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:

• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications (if applicable) and the contact information of references.
• An explanation of your interest in the proposed research topic.
• Copies of diplomas and academic transcripts with grades from prior university studies.
• Brief description of your MSc thesis and/or relevant research projects.

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.