Postdoc NonMonotone Game Theory

Postdoc NonMonotone Game Theory — Shape intelligent control and coordination in future complex systems, from sustainable energy grids to autonomous mobility. In this ERC-funded PD project, you develop cutting-edge game-theoretic control and optimization methods.

Job description

Modern society depends on complex, interconnected systems such as sustainable power 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 fundamentally new approaches to control and optimization in environments where multiple agents interact under uncertainty and constraints.

In this research project at TU Delft, you will develop computational methods for game-theoretic control and optimization 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 dynamic game theory and multi-agent optimization for uncertain systems with nonlinear dynamics. By building on tools from nonlinear systems, switched linear and polynomial systems, and projected dynamical systems, you will develop new analysis and synthesis frameworks for data-driven non-monotone game theory for nonlinear systems. These methods will contribute to applications such as multi-actor power grids, multi-vehicle automated driving and human-machine collaboration, enabling safer, more efficient and more sustainable operations.

Your responsibilities

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will:

1. Analyze several notions of local equilibria for non-convex, non-monotone game equilibrium problems;
2. Develop a dynamic game theory for switched polynomial systems;
3. Develop tractable computational methods for local equilibrium seeking in dynamic games with switched polynomial systems;
4. Extend the developed methods to the class of piecewise-monotone game equilibrium problems;

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 a PhD degree (or close to completion) in Systems and Control, or Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or Applied Mathematics, or related field.
• You have experience with, or a strong affinity for, Systems and Control, or 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).

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 3 years. Temporary.
• A job of 38-40 hours per week.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• Salary range: €3706 - €5760
• FTE: 1,0
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.

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 (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed.