PhD Position Robust Game Theory for Complex Systems

Shape intelligent control and coordination in future complex systems, from sustainable energy grids to autonomous mobility. In this ERC-funded PhD, you develop cutting-edge game-theoretic control and optimization methods.

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 “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 optimization, convex-monotone game theory and data-driven optimal transport, you will develop new frameworks for control and optimization 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

As a PhD researcher, you will:

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. Participate in teaching activities as part of your PhD trajectory, which may include 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 (DCSC) within the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. DCSC is an internationally leading research centre where PhD candidates, postdocs and faculty members work on modeling, analysis, control and optimization of complex dynamical systems relevant to science, engineering and society.

You will focus on optimization-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, optimization 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.

Furthermore, you meet the following requirements:

• 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, Optimization, 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).

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 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.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft 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.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.