PhD students in Automatic Control - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Automatic Control is an exciting and broad subject, covering both deep mathematics and hands-on engineering. Historically it has been instrumental in many areas, from the early development of telecommunications to the space race. Today, driven by the need to engineer ever larger systems, Automatic Control has never been more relevant. Among other things, we are currently recruiting PhD candidates for two projects with titles “A New Framework for  Model Predictive Control Stability Analysis and Deep Learning-based Synthesis” and  “Analysis and synthesis of virtual batteries using distributed control”. The first project is of  theoretical nature and lies in the intersection of optimization, machine learning, and control. The second project will combine theory and practice, with a focus on adapting and developing  sophisticated control and optimization methods to scalably mimic the behaviour of batteries using existing devices in buildings. 

Does this sound interesting? 

If so, you are welcome to apply for a position as PhD student at the Department of Automatic  Control. The department has a stimulating and international environment consisting of PhD  students, postdocs and teachers coming from all corners of the world. Research and teaching are conducted in an open and progressive atmosphere with challenges and cooperation both within academia and with industry, with national and international networks. A PhD degree also gives you the perfect base for an exciting career, be it in academia or industry. Lund University and the Department of Automatic Control welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard equality and diversity as a strength and an asset. 

Work duties 

The PhD position lasts five years and consists of three main aspects: 

• research project, including trips to conferences, seminars etc., 
• postgraduate courses, locally and internationally given (90 credits), and 
• teaching (at most 20%), including lab supervision and exam responsibilities. This part also involves professional development working with equality and diversity, arranging events etc. 

Admission requirements
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programs if he or she: 

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or 
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or   
• has acquired largely equivalent knowledge in some other way, either in Sweden or abroad. 

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Automatic Control if he or she has: 

• knowledge corresponding to Automatic Control Basic Course (FRT010) and a second cycle specialisation of relevance to the subject, or 
• an MSc in engineering or corresponding qualification   

Additional requirements 

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English. 
• Good language analytical ability. 
• Curiousness about research and teaching. 
• Creativity with good ability for cooperation and networking.
• Proactivity. 
• Persistence and a methodological way of working. 

Assessment criteria
Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycles. Special attention is paid to the following: 

1. The results of studies at the basic and advanced levels, in particular control engineering, mathematics and closely related topics. 
2. The ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. 
3. Written and oral communication skills. 
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience. 

Assessment considerations include grades, certificates, and references, but also, for instance,  Master thesis project and experiences from industry, as well as the applicants’ competence within the current research projects. Assessment considerations also include cooperation ability, drive, creativity, and independence, as well as how the applicant, through his or her  experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme. 

Terms of employment
Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years (Limit of tenure, four years  according to HF 5 kap 7§.). A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including up to 20% teaching and professional development).
Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§. A doctoral student will receive a competitive monthly salary of 31 200 SEK with yearly raise.  We intend to hire 1-3 PhD students. 

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you  are interested in the position and in what way the research area corresponds to your interests  and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.). Don't forget to answer the qualification questions. Those applicants who will be called for interview, may be asked to perform a small test to demonstrate basic competence.