PhD in Security-aware task planning and control of multi-agent systems

Introduction

Are you fascinated by how large teams of connected autonomous systems can coordinate complex missions intelligently and safely without revealing sensitive information? As a PhD candidate, you will develop verifiable, secure-by-construction planning and control algorithms, contributing to trustworthy autonomy in societal-critical domains.

Job Description

Teams of connected autonomous systems such as robots, vehicles, and smart infrastructure, rely on sensing, communication, and coordination to accomplish complex missions. Yet the information they exchange, as well as their observable physical behavior, may unintentionally reveal sensitive states, objectives, or operational strategies. How can we design autonomous systems that collaborate effectively while controlling what outside observers can infer?

In this PhD project, you will develop security-aware planning and control methods for multi-agent cyber-physical systems (CPS). Rather than treating security as a protection layer added after a controller has been designed, you will investigate secure-by-construction methods that incorporate information-flow security directly into planning and control.

This project offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of control theory, multi-agent systems, formal methods, and CPS security. You will develop theory and algorithms for secure coordination in multi-agent cyber-physical systems, focusing on new ways to characterize information leakage, secure-by-construction planning and control, and scalable distributed design. You will validate your methods through simulations and multi-robot experiments.

You will join the Control Systems group in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology. The group offers an open and collaborative environment with expertise spanning systems and control, formal methods, autonomous systems, and data-driven modelling. You will also have opportunities to validate your research in the Autonomous Motion Control Lab, using platforms such as ground robots, drones, and autonomous racing vehicles. You will receive close scientific supervision while having the freedom to shape your research direction and develop as an independent researcher. Your work will contribute to the foundations of trustworthy autonomy, supporting safer and more resilient autonomous systems in potential application domains including mobility, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and critical infrastructure.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Systems and Control, Automation Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or similar.
• In case you are still doing your MSc in the field listed above, please indicate your expected graduation date in the cover letter.
• A proven excellence track record, to be demonstrated through a complete list of (excellent) grades of all courses taken at the BSc and MSc level.
• A motivated, curiosity-driven, and research-oriented attitude.
• Additional research experiences in Formal Methods, and/or Robotics is a plus.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station.

In addition, we offer you: 

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,204 - max. € 4,051 gross base salary per month (full-time)).  
• In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.
• As a TU/e employee, you participate in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. TU/e pays 70% of the pension premium, while employees contribute the remaining 30%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) and a compensation for moving expenses.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The mission of the Department of Electrical Engineering is to acquire, share and transfer knowledge and understanding in the whole field of Electrical Engineering through education, research and valorization. We work towards a ‘Smart Sustainable Society’, a ‘Connected World’, and a healthy humanity (‘Care & Cure’). Activities share an application-oriented character, a high degree of complexity and a large synergy between multiple facets of the field.

Research is carried out into the applications of electromagnetic phenomena in all forms of energy conversion, telecommunication and electrical signal processing. Existing and new electrical components and systems are analyzed, designed and built. The Electrical Engineering department takes its inspiration from contacts with high-tech industry in the direct surrounding region and beyond.

The department is innovative and has international ambitions and partnerships. The result is a challenging and inspiring setting in which socially relevant issues are addressed.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Dr. Siyuan Liu, [email protected].

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HR Services, [email protected].

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.