PhD Position Robust Game Theory for Complex Systems

Job description

Modern society depends on complex, interconnected systems such as renewable energy grids, autonomous vehicles and human‑machine collaborative systems. Ensuring that these systems operate safely, efficiently and fairly is a major scientific and societal challenge. It requires new approaches to control and decision‑making in environments where multiple agents interact under uncertainty and constraints.

In this PhD project at TU Delft, you will develop advanced game‑theoretic control and optimization methods to address these challenges. As part of the European Research Council (ERC)‑funded project Software “Data‑driven Game Theoretic Control for Constrained Systems” (ARGON), you will work at the forefront of fundamental research with high potential for technological impact.

You will conduct theoretical and computational research on game theory and multi‑agent optimization for complex systems. By building on tools from distributionally robust optimisation, convex‑monotone game theory and data‑driven optimal transport, you will develop new frameworks for control and optimisation in multi‑agent systems. These methods will contribute to applications such as distributed power systems, multi‑vehicle automated driving and human‑machine collaboration, enabling safer, more efficient and more sustainable solutions.

Your responsibilities

1. Analyze stochastic game equilibrium problems
2. Develop tractable data‑driven distributionally robust reformulations
3. Develop data‑driven stochastic equilibrium seeking algorithms
4. Develop data‑driven optimal control for stochastic game equilibrium problems
5. Teaching activities are part of your PhD trajectory and may include, for example: supervising workgroups or lab sessions, assisting in courses, or mentoring BSc and MSc students. While teaching will not be your main responsibility, it offers valuable experience that supports your development and prepares you for future academic or professional roles.

Your work environment

You will join the Delft Center for Systems and Control within the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. DCSC is an internationally leading research centre where PhD candidates, postdocs and faculty members work on modelling, analysis, control and optimisation of complex dynamical systems relevant to science, engineering and society. You will focus on optimisation‑based, data‑driven and partially model‑based control methods. You will have access to a strong research network and a broad range of expertise across systems and control, optimisation and data‑driven methods. At DCSC, you will find an open and collaborative environment where interdisciplinary teamwork, intellectual curiosity and scientific excellence are valued. We work closely across research clusters and application domains such as energy, mobility and high‑tech systems, sharing a drive to deepen fundamental understanding and contribute to societally relevant, sustainable solutions.

Job requirements

You are a curious and proactive researcher who enjoys tackling complex theoretical and computational problems. You are motivated by fundamental scientific questions and take initiative in exploring novel ideas. You work well independently, while also thriving in a collaborative and internationally oriented research environment. As a strong team player, you contribute actively to discussions within a diverse research group and are open to feedback and new perspectives.

• You hold an MSc degree (or close to completion) in Systems and Control, or Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
• You have experience with, or a strong affinity for, Systems and Control, Optimisation, or Game Theory.
• You demonstrate excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, combined with curiosity and diligence.
• You have strong communication skills and an excellent command of English (knowledge of Dutch is not required).

Conditions of Employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4‑year period of employment in principle, but in the form of two 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 €3,059 – €3,881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a full‑time contract (38 hours), plus 8 % holiday allowance and an end‑of‑year bonus of 8.3 %.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The 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 network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

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