PhD student in automatic control focusing on computational methods for large scale systems

Are you interested in working in control theory and develop efficient algorithms for large systems, with the support of competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Are you looking for an employer that invests in sustainable employeeship and offers safe, favourable working conditions? We welcome you to apply for a PhD position at Uppsala University.

Uppsala University has a long tradition of successful research – among its alumni are 16 Nobel Prize laureates, including, most recently, Svante Pääbo. The University is unique when it comes to combining IT with wider research, from life sciences to the humanities, and this collaboration is currently facilitated by AI4Research https://www.uu.se/forskning/ai4research/ and the Centre for Interdisciplinary Mathematics. https://www.uu.se/en/centre/interdisciplinary-mathematics

The Department of Information Technology holds a leading position in both research and education at all levels. We are currently Uppsala University's third largest department, having around 350 employees, including 120 teachers and 120 PhD students. Approximately 5,000 undergraduate students take one or more courses at the department each year. You can find more information about us on the Department of Information Technology website. https://www.uu.se/en/department/information-technology

At the Division of Systems and Control, https://www.uu.se/en/contact-and-organisation/organisation?query=X61:4 we develop both theory and concrete tools to design systems that learn, reason, and act in the real world based on a seamless combination of data, mathematical models, and algorithms. Our research integrates expertise from control theory, machine learning, optimization, and network science, spanning diverse application domains such as energy systems, biomedical systems, neuroscience, and safety and security. The Division of Systems and Control enjoys a wide network of strong international collaborators all around the world, for example at the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Imperial College, University of British Columbia, University of Sydney, University of Newcastle and Aalto University. We strive for all PhD students to get a solid international experience during their PhD.

Project description
The aim of this project is to develop new theory and methods for the control and estimation of large systems, using tools from optimal transport theory. Optimal transport is a mathematically rich theory for comparing probability distributions, and has recently evolved into a powerful tool for applications in control theory and machine learning. Building on these advancements, we will develop new theory and algorithms for optimal transport, targeting applications that may include control of multi-agent systems, inverse problems, and network data analysis.

The exact details of the research project are decided in a dialogue between the doctoral student and the supervisor.

Duties
The position is for a maximum of five years. A Doctoral student will devote their time mainly to graduate education. The rest of the duties may involve teaching at the department, including some administration, to at most 20%.

Requirements
Entry requirements for doctoral education are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance. To meet the general entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must: 

• hold a Master’s (second-cycle) degree in applied mathematics, engineering mathematics, engineering physics, electrical engineering or in a similar field, or
• have completed at least 240 credits in higher education, with at least 60 credits at Master’s level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, or
• have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way.

The University may permit an exemption from the general entry requirements for an individual applicant, if there are special grounds (Chapter 7, § 39 of the Higher Education Ordinance). For special entry requirements, please see the subject’s general study plan.

https://www.uu.se/en/staff/faculty/science-and-technology/education-and-teaching/doctoral-studies/subjects-and-study-plans/subjects

We are looking for candidates with:

• a strong mathematical background and strong interest in control theory,
• good communication skills with sufficient proficiency in oral and written English,
• excellent study results,
• personal characteristics, such as a high level of creativity, thoroughness, and/or a structured approach to problem-solving are essential

Additional qualifications
Experience and courses in one or more of the following subjects are particularly valued: Linear and Non-linear optimization, optimal control, measure theory, control theory, dynamical systems.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

Application
The application must include:

1. a cover letter (at most 2 pages), in English, briefly describing your motivation for applying for this position and the earliest possible employment date. The cover letter should include the heading Suitability for this position, containing a self-assessment on why you would be the right candidate for this position;
2. a CV;
3. degrees and transcript of records with grades (translated to English or Swedish);
4. the Master’s thesis (or a draft thereof, and/or some other self-produced technical or scientific text), publications, and other relevant documents;
5. references with contact information (names, emails and telephone number) and up to two letters of recommendation.

Applicants who meet at least one of the eligibility requirements are strongly encouraged to apply.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date September 1, 2025, or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala.

For further information about the position, please contact: Isabel Haasler, email: isabel.haasler@it.uu.se. 

Please submit your application by March 28, 2025, UFV-PA 2025/360.

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