PhD Position Distributed Optimization and Control for Drone Swarms

Job description

We live in a world of interconnected networks of autonomous sensing systems, catering to diverse applications in fields of automotive, satellites, robotics and many more. There are various challenges in such large-scale distributed networks i.e., the low-cost sensing, decentralized statistical inference, distributed control and online decision making. These distributed systems will have to fuse a combination of batch, streaming and intermittently-available datasets (typically from multi-modal sensors), and make prudent inferences using minimal communication with neighboring nodes. In view of energy-efficient solutions (i.e., minimizing both communication, processing and memory resource), these mobile systems will be autonomous and will rely heavily on on-board inference.

In this project, the PhD candidate will design and implement novel joint localization and control strategies using neighborhood-based filtering. A cooperative bayesian optimization approach will be used to enable a swarm to make formations and navigate an unknown environment, based on local neighborhood information, ensuring resilience against communication link failures and information losses.

Job requirements

You should have:

• A Masters degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems & Control, Engineering Physics, Applied Mathematics, or any field related to the lab’s research topics;
• A background in applied mathematics, particularly, linear algebra and probability;
• A solid understanding of statistical signal processing and distributed optimization;
• An experience in programming e.g., Python, MATLAB, Julia
• A good command of English (verbal and written);
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

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 the areas of 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 as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click  here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.

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 are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2901 per month in the first year to € 3707 in the fourth year. 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.

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Raj Thilak Rajan, via r.t.rajan@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply by April 30, 2024, via the application button, and upload:

• A cover letter stating your motivation (max 1 page)
• A detailed curriculum vitae;
• Name and contact information of two professional referees;
• A list of courses taken with grades obtained in Bachelors and Masters degree;
• A list of publications (if any);
• A summary of Masters thesis.

You can address your application to Dr. Raj Thilak Rajan

The available position will be filled as soon as possible (i.e. once a suitable candidate is found). This means that the selection of candidates will already start before the application deadline.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements .

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.

• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines . We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.