PHD in Control Theory for Nonlinear and PDE systems

PhD: Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA

A PhD position, fully funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) is available in the Cybernetic Systems and Controls Lab (CSCL) in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ.

Topic: We are looking for a PhD student with a background in Mathematics or Engineering (with an interest in mathematics) to answer basic research questions at the intersection of Dynamics, Control, and Optimization. In particular, we are seeking students to study control systems of nonlinear systems and partial differential equations with application to control of spacecraft and nuclear fusion reactors.

Funding includes tuition, a 12-month stipend of $2200/mo, travel, health case and expenses. A Fall 2022 start is anticipated, although applications will accepted until the position is filled.  

Our lab has a broad mandate to perform advanced research in dynamics, control theory, optimization and machine learning with applied research in orbital mechanics, autonomous systems, control of nuclear fusion, information networks, and immunology. See the website http://control.asu.edu for a list of recent research and software.

The ideal candidate has an aptitude for mathematics and is interested in solving fundamental and high-impact, difficult problems in several of the fields mentioned above. The work is challenging and selection is rigorous, so students should have a solid undergraduate education at a top tier school in engineering or mathematics with a GPA of 3.6 (US), 8.5 (India), 90 (China) or equivalent.

Eligibility: Ideal candidates have first class honors or equivalent from a top 100 university as per AWRU, USNWR or other major ranking system (2.1 OK for Oxford/Cambridge). For non-UK students, an undergraduate GPA of 3.6 (US), 90 (China), 18(Iran), 8(India), 9.0 (Mexico) is required. In addition, an interview will be conducted to screen for academic aptitude.

Particularly relevant skills can include a background in Algorithms, Mathematical Analysis, Optimization, and all areas of Control. Candidates should have an undergraduate degree in Engineering, Mathematics, or a related discipline.

If eligible, apply for the position by sending a cv, undergraduate and graduate transcripts (if relevant) directly to [Email Address Removed]. Additionally, students must apply separately to the university online at http://graduate.asu.edu/admissions.

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ASU, based in Tempe, AZ, is the largest research university (1) in the United States. ASU was ranked 2nd nationally (2) in the 2015 US News and World Report list of “up and coming” universities for making significant investments in academics and research. The graduate Aerospace Engineering Program at ASU was ranked 23rd (3) in US News and World Report for 2015. The Electrical Engineering Program is ranked 9^th (4) in research by HERD in 2014. Overall, the graduate Engineering Program was ranked 42th nationally (5) by USNews and 51-75th globally (6) by ARWU in 2015.

(1)  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_university_campuses_by_enrollment

(2)  http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2015/02/18/map-up-and-coming-colleges-universities

(3)  http://premium.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/aerospace-rankings

(4)  http://ncsesdata.nsf.gov/herd/2014/

(5)  http://premium.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/arizona-state-university-fulton-02006

(6)  http://www.shanghairanking.com/World-University-Rankings/Arizona-State-University.html