PhD Position Control Theory for Self-Designing Digital Twins of Transportation Systems (Delft, NL, 2628 CD)

This PhD builds digital twins that design themselves, using formal control theory to configure and verify them, then puts that theory to work on transportation systems

• An MSc degree in systems and control, applied mathematics, electrical engineering, computer science, or related fields.
• Basic knowledge of control theory and/or machine learning and/or digitl twin technologies (waived if the candidate is particularly skilled on theoretical computer science, optimization, or mobility systems).
• Strong analytical skills and an ability to work at the intersection of several research domains, in particular control theory, computer science, and transportation engineering.
• Good programming skills are expected, in particular Python. Knowledge of other programming lenguages is not mandatory but apprecated. 
• Good command of the English language and good communication skills.

On this PhD project you will delve into the growing field of digital twins for infrastructure systems, with a focus on transportation systems. Digital twins are high-fidelity simulations combining principle-based models and black-box/data-driven representations of physical systems. While essential for high-accuracy predictions and counterfactual analysis, they are inherently complex and difficult to analyze due to the lack of standardization and a unified design theory.

This project will tackle this problem from a theoretical angle in three main ways:

• You will develop a framework for the autonomous design of formal mathematical contracts, based on the system description and functional requirements. This will lead to the creation of abstract classes used to describe the digital twin.
• You will then design methods for automatically choosing the right parametrization of controllers to autonomously configure them to the abstract classes, ensuring stability and performance based on the requirements and specifications, e.g. via federated, scenario/sampling-based contract compositions.
• Additionally, you will theorize how to design and verify complex control policies such as MPC and RL.
• Additionally, you will study the effect of interconnecting digital twins of different systems and the effect on their stability.

You will be able to work towards improving our state-of-the-art advanced digital-twin of transportation systems (based on SUMO).

You will work at the Delft Centre of Systems and Control (DCSC) and will be supervised by Carlo Cenedese & Manuel Mazo.

TU Delft is a top tier university and is exceedingly active in the field of Artificial intelligence and Control Systems. The Delft Centre for Systems and Control (DCSC) coordinates the education and research activities in systems and control at Delft University of Technology. The Centre's research mission is to conduct fundamental research in systems dynamics and control, involving dynamic modelling, advanced control theory, optimisation and signal analysis. The research is motivated by advanced technology development in physical imaging systems, robotics and transportation systems. The group actively participates in the Dutch Institute of Systems and Control (DISC).

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems. 

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

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. 

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3204 - €4051 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime 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 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. 

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

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Carlo Cenedese, [email protected].

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 14 October 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• (pdf 1) 1-page Motivation letter and your CV
• (pdf 2) Academic transcripts of both your BSc and MSc degrees
• (pdf 3) A (part of your) M.Sc. thesis, a scientific report, or a paper that you have written, in which you demonstrate your writing skills

Please highlight in your motivation letter and/or CV examples of projects and achievements that demonstrate your relevant competences.

You can address your application to Dr. Carlo Cenedese.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements. 

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• 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. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
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