Job offers
Permanent positions
Tenure Track/Assistant Professor Position, University of Waterloo, Department of Applied Mathematics
The Department of Applied Mathematics at the University of Waterloo invites applications for an Assistant Professor position. In special cases, Associate or Full Professor with tenure may be considered. The primary area of interest is control theory. However, exceptional candidates with broad interests in all areas of modern applied mathematics (including quantum control, machine learning, stochastic optimization, and other emerging areas) that enhance the research and teaching needs of the Department, are invited to apply.
The successful candidate will have the ability to establish an outstanding research program. Experience with interdisciplinary or industrial applications is of particular interest. We are looking for applicants with an enthusiasm for teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate level, and for the supervision of graduate and undergraduate research.
The Department of Applied Mathematics is one of four departments, together with a School of Computer Science, that comprise the Faculty of Mathematics at the University of Waterloo. The Faculty was ranked 20th in the world for mathematics in the 2015 QS World University Rankings. The department has 28 regular faculty whose research interests include control theory, differential equations and dynamical systems, fluid dynamics, mathematical biology & medicine, mathematical physics, and scientific computing. Research in the department is enhanced by interdisciplinary and industrial collaborations and links to interdisciplinary institutes including the Centre for Computational Mathematics in Industry and Commerce and the Water Institute. The department has a substantial graduate program with over 135 graduate students pursuing Masters or PhD degrees, and strong undergraduate programs in applied mathematics and mathematical physics. More information about the department can be found at http://math.uwaterloo.ca/appliedmathematics/.
Candidates interested in this position should have a PhD or equivalent in Applied Mathematics, or related field. Appointment at the Assistant Professor level is preferred, but extraordinarily strong candidates will be considered for a more senior position. The salary range for this position is $100,000-$160,000. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications, experience and research record. Negotiations beyond this salary range will be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates. The effective date of appointment is July 1, 2019.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as described at: http://www.mathjobs.org/. Alternatively, applications may be sent via email to amdept@uwaterloo.ca. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, a research statement summarizing past work and future plans, a statement of teaching philosophy and arrange for three letters of reference to be sent directly. The deadline for receiving applications is November 30, 2018.
If you have any questions regarding the position, the application process, assessment process, eligibility, or a request for accommodation during the hiring process, please contact Professor Sivabal Sivaloganathan, Chair, Dept. of Applied Mathematics (ssivalog@uwaterloo.ca).
The University of Waterloo regards diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to employment equity and accessibility for all employees. As such, we encourage applications from women, Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) peoples, persons with disabilities, members of diverse gender identities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. At Waterloo, you will have the opportunity to work across disciplines and collaborate with an international community of scholars and a diverse student body, situated in a rapidly growing community that has been termed a “hub of innovation”. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will receive priority in the recruitment process.
Three reasons to apply: https://uwaterloo.ca/faculty-association/why-waterloo.
Post-doc positions
Post Doctoral Position in DeustoTech-Bilbao-Spain
PhD proposals
PhD Position at Université de Lyon, INSA Lyon
PhD Offer: Electrochemical Virtual Sensor Development for Lithium-ion Batteries
Contact information: Federico Bribiesca Argomedo, federico.bribiesca-argomedo@insa-lyon.fr
(https://federico.bribiesca-argomedo.info)
Duration: 3 years (European H2020 project INSTABAT, in final stages of signature)
Starting date: September / October 2020
Thesis grant: about 2000 €/month (gross salary, Teaching Assistant supplement negotiable)
Location: Lyon (Rhône, France)
Primary fields: Control Systems Theory, Applied Mathematics
Application fields: Electrochemistry, Electric Vehicles
Doctoral School: EEA, Université de Lyon, INSA Lyon (https://edeea.universite-lyon.fr, also
available in English)
This proposed (36 month) PhD position in the Control Systems Department of Ampère Laboratory at INSA Lyon is a part of the INSTABAT project , whose objective is to develop a proof of concept multi-sensor platform (or “lab-on-a-cell”) capable of real-time monitoring of key electrochemical and thermal variables inside a battery cell and of predicting their impact on related physicochemical degradation phenomena taking place. An important component of this platform will be a set of “virtual sensors” (more commonly known in the control-systems literature as “state observers”) that will allow the real-time estimation of key internal variables that cannot be directly measured. The information thus obtained should inform the Battery Management System (BMS) in order to improve the accuracy of available State of Charge, State of Health, State of Energy and State of Safety (SoX) indicators, and therefore adapt the charging and discharging strategies to improve the Quality, Reliability and Life (QRL) of the battery. The retained candidate will have as main objective the development of state estimation algorithms for a class of infinite-dimensional systems (in this case, diffusive partial differential equations) representative of the electrochemical and thermal phenomena occurring inside the battery. In particular, the research will be oriented toward coupling thermal models and reduced Doyle-Fuller-Newman (or extended Single Particle type models), that are simple enough to run in real time but are able to perform adequately at high charge/discharge rates.
Some techniques that can be deployed include:
- Backstepping transformations for partial differential equations
- Model reduction techniques (e.g. POD/Galerkin methods, finite differences, etc.)
- Extended Kalman filter techniques / nonlinear observer techniques.
- Optimization and Artificial intelligence techniques in general (e.g. convex optimization, machine learning, clustering techniques, etc.)
The candidate should exhibit a strong mathematical and control systems foundation, and either strong competences or capacity to rapidly acquire them in the following areas are highly desirable:
- Applied Mathematics (Analysis, PDEs, etc.)
- Optimization / AI techniques
- Numerical methods
- Programming using Matlab/Simulink
Furthermore, working knowledge or capacity to rapidly acquire it in basic electrochemistry will be required.
The successful candidate will be integrated into the Control Systems Department (AIS) of the Ampère Laboratory in Lyon and is expected to be able to evolve in a strongly inter-disciplinary team including academic and industrial partners. As a key interlocutor in the European research program, the candidate should be capable of clearly communicating and implementing (or helping, as required, with the implementation) of the developed algorithms for integration in the proof of concept platform by the end of the project. Some useful information about doing a PhD in France for foreign students: https://edeea.universite-lyon.fr/ed-160-eea/version-anglaise/navigation/... https://www.campusfrance.org/en/FAQ-Doctorate-France-questions
Application:
Candidates have to send by email the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover letter
- Master 1 and 2 transcripts (or latest two years of studies)
- The name and contact information of 1 or 2 references (willing and able to provide a recommendation)
---------------------- Past Permanent Positions -------------------------------
Assistant Professor in Complex Systems at the Department of Applied Mathematics
https://www.utwente.nl/en/organization/careers/vacancies/!/vacature/868023
Job description
It is important that a characteristic own research line within complex systems is built for which external funding, such as within the NWO Innovational Research Incentives Scheme (VENI/VIDI/VICI) and within the European Research Council can be acquired.
Your profile
Teaching is an important part of the activities of the department. The candidate will be involved in the teaching program of the Department of Applied Mathematics at the Bachelor and Master level, as well as the service teaching. The candidate is expected to transfer his/her specific expertise to the master program. To facilitate the professional development and quality of teaching, all lecturers are requested to obtain the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) within two years of their first appointment.
Applications (including curriculum vitae, list of publications, research statement, and three names of potential references) can be submitted online (http://www.utwente.nl/vacatures/en/) before January 15, 2017 to the University of Twente, attn. Prof.dr. S.A. van Gils, chairman Department of Applied Mathematics.
For more information, please contact Prof.dr. H.J. Zwart (phone +31 534893464, email h.j.zwart@utwente.nl) or Prof.dr. A.A. Stoorvogel (phone +31 534892378, email a.a.stoorvogel@utwente.nl).
Our offer
The terms of employment are in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labor Agreement for Universities (CAO). Depending on relevant background and experience, the gross monthly salary on a full-time basis ranges from 3,427 € to 5,330 € gross per month. Employees are also entitled to a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3 %.
We offer excellent auxiliary terms of employment, such as professional and personal development programs; a secondary remuneration package; a dynamic environment with enthusiastic colleagues; an organization focusing on internationalization and a high degree of responsibility and independence.
The organization
The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) comprises three disciplines that shape Information and Communication Technology. ICT is more than communication. In almost every product we use mathematics, electronics and computer technology and ICT now contributes to all of societies' activities. The faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. The research which enjoys a high profile both at home and internationally, has been accommodated in the multidisciplinary research institutes MESA+, CTIT and MIRA.
---------------------- Past Post-Doc Positions ---------------------------------
Post Doctoral Position in Waterloo (Canada)
Post-doctoral position (Applied Mathematics) available in optimal sensor location for distributed parameter systems. The start date is flexible. In order to satisfy federal rules, applicants must apply through the Applied Mathematics Department ad on MathJobs and also indicate in the cover letter that they want to work with Kirsten Morris.
More details (pdf)
Post Doctoral Position in Bilbao
Description:
http://cmc.deusto.es/erc-advanced-grant-dycon-postdoc-contract-deustotech/
Post Doctoral Position (University of Waterloo)
Contact: Kirsten Morris (kmorris'at'uwaterloo.ca).
Topic: Optimal sensor location for distributed parameter systems.
Deadline for application: April 1
Candidates should have a PhD in control of distributed parameter systems, with either a theoretical or numerical focus; and a publication record that includes a few papers in high quality journals and conferences, as well as excellent proficiency in written and spoken English.
Modelling & Control of Distributed Parameter Systems for H2020 Project ConFlex
The FEMTO-ST institute at Bourgogne Franche-Comté University in France is looking for 1 Ph.D. student in the field of system modelling and control, with emphasis on distributed parameter systems and control. The student will be employed as researcher in Prof. Yann le Gorrec’s group.
This position ispart the 15 positions available within the ConFlex project, sponsored by the EU under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie actions in the H2020-MSCA-ITN Program.
The ConFlex consortium will train the next generation of high-level young researchers on the control of flexible structures and fluid-structure interactions, using and also contributing to the latest advances in control theory and energy-based modelling.
The applications that we plan to investigate cover a wide range of flexible structures in interaction with fluids: wind turbines, aircraft wings, precision machine tools, vessels linked by cables as encountered in marine salvage operations and microscopic electromechanical devices. These apparently unrelated systems face similar challenges and will be analysed and controlled in a unified framework. The training network will enhance and use the synergy between the partners to produce a high-level doctoral training program.
ConFlex consortium academics are located in Israel (Tel Aviv University), UK (University of Warwick, Imperial College, University of Exeter), France (Université de Franche-Comté, Université de Bordeaux), Spain (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Germany (Bergische Universität Wuppertal, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen Nürnberg) and The Netherlands (Universiteit Twente).
In addition, we have four partner universities in Canada, China, USA and France and 11 prestigious industry partners who will be hosting the ESRs for secondments, mostly from Europe.
Contact: legorrec@femto-st.fr
Stability and robust control of linear partial differential differential equations and infinite-dimensional systems
The Systems Theory Research Group at the Laboratory of Mathematics at Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland, is recruiting a new PhD student, starting January 2017 (or as mutually agreed). The main research topics include stability and robust control of linear partial differential differential equations and infinite-dimensional systems, especially linear wave equations. The details of the research group can be found at http://sysgrouptampere.wordpress.com/
If you are interested, the details of the position and the online application system can be found at http://www.tut.fi/openpositions (the call is with the title “Doctoral Student/PhD position (Systems Theory Research) – Mathematics”). The deadline for the applications is on October 2nd, 2017.
The required attachements of the application are (in PDF format):
– A motivation letter (1–2 pages) describing your background and main interests in mathematics
– Curriculum vitae (CV)
– Transcript of study records and certificate of the M. Sc. degree
– Possible references (1–2)
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Assistant Professor Lassi Paunonen for more information (email: lassi.paunonen@tut.fi, homepage: http://lassipaunonen.wordpress.com).
Observer based control of distributed Port Hamiltonian systems
Start of the Thesis: September/October 2017.
Duration: 3 years.
Salary: 1500 Euros net/month.
Location: AS2M/FEMTO-ST, Besançon, France.
http://www.femto-st.fr/fr/Emploi/Proposition-de-these
contact
Yann Le Gorrec, Professor, yann.le.gorrec@ens2m.fr
Hector Ramirez, Associate professor, hector.ramirez@femto-st.fr
The modeling of physical systems based on the representation of intrinsic energy exchanges between different energetic domains allows a modular description of their eventually complex dynamic behaviour. In this context, the port-Hamiltonian framework represents a powerful modeling and control tool. Port-Hamiltonian systems link the physical energy of a system and its dynamic behaviour through the definition of a geometric structure, named Dirac structure. This geometric structure, which arises in the modeling step, is instrumental for the stability analysis and the control design.
In the case of non-linear or distributed parameter systems, the structure is not only instrumental, but also fundamental to study the solutions in a systematic manner. Even though the formalism is not new [1], it has only been extended to distributed parameter systems in 2002 [2]. The complete parametrization of linear distributed port Hamiltonian systems controlled at the boundaries over 1D spatial domains, as well as the study of the existence of solutions and stability properties, can be found in [3, 4, 5]. These results have recently motivated the extension of passivity based control techniques to infinite dimensional port-Hamiltonian systems controlled at the boundaries [6, 7, 8] and with distributed control [9, 10]. In all cases these control design techniques have been developed based on state feedbacks.
The aim of the thesis is to extend these approaches to observer based boundary control of distributed parameter port Hamiltonian systems.
Energy based modeling and distributed control of a compliant bio-medical system
http://www.femto-st.fr/fr/Emploi/Proposition-de-these
The aim of this project is to propose new models and robust control laws for a compliant bio-medical system actuated through electroactive polymers by using the port Hamiltonian framework.
Objectives and time planing
This thesis has three main objectives:
Modeling:
First, to develop a reliable model of the electro-active polymer taking the multiphysical, non linear and distributed parameters properties into account. This work will be done based on the theoretical results proposed in [4] and adapted to the considered application case (nature of polymer, mechanical structure and environment). The experimental validation will be done using the experimental resources developed in our department.
Reduction:
Second, to propose a structure preserving reduction/discretization method and to apply it to this class of systems with control design perspectives [15]. The influence of the physical parameters on the system dynamics and the errors due to the reduction will be studied.
The characteristic and number of the actuators will be also investigated.
Control design:
Third, to design robust control laws using the reduced order model and taking the approximations due this reduction into account. An experimental set-up will be built in order to test the proposed control design methods.
Candidates profile
Excellent MSc/Engineer in Automatic Control.
Strong knowledge background in automatic control and applied mathematics.
Fluent in speaking and reading English.
Contact
Yann Le Gorrec (Supervisor), Professor, FEMTO-ST AS2M, UBFC Besançon legorrec@femto-st.fr
Yongxin Wu, Assistant Professor, FEMTO-ST AS2M, UBFC Besançon yongxin.wu@femto-st.fr
ERC DyCON - 2 PhD Contract in Dynamic Control
ERC DyCON - 2 PhD Contract in Dynamic Control
Phd in Dynamic Control Mines Paristech France
Analysis and rejection of mechanical vibrations for drilling
Keywords: Control, dynamical modeling, Partial Differential Equations, Delay systems, Matlab/Simulink
Location: GIPSA-lab, Grenoble with frequent stays in CAS, Mines ParisTech, Paris
Context
Mechanical vibrations along the drillpipe and the drillbit in the oil and gas industry have a triple negative impact: increase of the Non-Productive Time (NP), damaging or even failure of the device and decrease of the average drilling velocity. In a context of overall cost reduction, operators are in need of non-intrusive strategies to limit or even suppress these vibrations. Control theory, enabling to analyze and control the drillpipe moves from the surface, offers an ideal framework to meet these needs.
Ph.D Objectives
Physical phenomena at stake in the context of oil drilling are especially complex. First, interaction laws between the borehole and the drillbit are uncertain and intricate. Second, the physical length of the considered systems (several kilometers) implies the existence of mechanical waves propagation, which has to be explicitly taken into account in the modeling.
The first goal of this Ph.D will be to analyze the relative significance of these phenomena. Simulations and analysis of several dynamical modelings of variable complexities will be considered and compared in view of establishing one consistent with control design. Relevance of this modeling will be evaluated by comparison with experimental data from a test bench or field.
The second goal of this Ph.D will be the design of suitable control strategies enabling to limit structural vibrations. Among other possibilities, considered solutions include:
- Prediction-based controller for uncertain variable (state-varying) time-delay systems;
- Observer design using only measurements available at the surface of the well;
- Adaptive controller or observer to reduce the impact of modeling uncertainties.
Application
The applicant should have solid notions of control theory and/or applied mathematics. Understanding of delay systems and/or partial differential equations is not mandatory but will be highly appreciated.
Applications should be declared before June 15 and include a detailed resume.
References:
[1] D. Bresch-Pietri and M. Krstic, Adaptive output feedback for oil drilling stick-slip instability modeled by wave PDE with anti-damped dynamic boundary, in Proc. of the American Control Conference, 2014
[2] A. Depouhon and E. Detournay, Instability regimes and self-excited vibrations in deep drilling systems, Journal of Sound and Vibration 333, pp. 2019-2039, 2014
[3] F. Di Meglio, U.J.F. AArsnes, A distributed parameter system view of control problems in drilling, in Proc. of the IFAC Oil& Gas Workshop 2015
[4] C. Sagert, F. Di Meglio, M. Krstic and P. Rouchon, Backstepping and flatness approaches for stabilization of the stick-slip phenomenon for drilling, in Proc. of the 5th Symposium on System Structure and Control, 2013
[5] A. Smyshlyaev and M. Krstic, Boundary control of an anti-stable wave equation with anti-damping on the uncontrolled boundary, Systems and Control Letters, Vol. 58, pp. 617-623, 2009
Research internship
ERC DYCON-DEUSTOTECH training and research internships
DYCON-DEUSTOTECH TRAINING AND RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS
The DyCon (Dynamic Control) project (http://enzuazua.net/dycon/) funded by the European Research Council-ERC (https://erc.europa.eu/) brings the opportunity for excellent international students to join the world-class interdisciplinary research center DeustoTech (http://cmc.deusto.es) in Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain.
DeustoTech is built up of researchers with diverse backgrounds in computer sciences,applied and computational mathematics and engineering, amongst other disciplines. DyCon requires motivated Undergraduate, Master and PhD students in mathematics and related areas.
We welcome applications for the internship positions for a maximum of one semester, which may take a form of:
- Summer or one-semester stay
- Master thesis
- Industrial project
- Part of Ph.D. thesis in third institutions
Students will be selected in view of their Curriculum vitae, but also, based on the affinity of their research topics and expertise with DyCon objectives. Internship students will fully integrate the activities of the team during their placement in DeustoTech and will contribute to the development of the theoretical and computational objectives of the different working packages to which they will be assigned.
Selected applicants will be responsible for learning, suggesting and applying ideas under the supervision of DyCon researchers and according to an established plan, with the objective to successfully solve the issues stated in the Internship position announcement and prepare the expected deliverables.
This internship placement will be implemented within a collaboration framework between the student Institution (or the student) and the host institution. The student grant will cover full board compensation during the placement. The management of the project is looking for candidates to take this placement during the spring 2016-2017 or the 2017-2018 academic year.
For interested candidates, please sent a complete Curriculum vitae and a letter of presentation in English to Dr Miren Arretxe (miren.arretxe@deusto.es) by the end of April 2017.