PhD in Security-aware task planning and control of multi-agent systems Eindhoven University of Technology in Netherlands

PhD position at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in security-aware task planning and control of multi-agent systems.

This project sits in the Control Systems group within the Department of Electrical Engineering and focuses on trustworthy autonomy for connected autonomous systems such as robots, vehicles, and smart infrastructure. The research asks how multiple agents can coordinate complex missions while limiting what outside observers can infer from shared information and observable behavior. The central challenge is to develop secure-by-construction planning and control methods that build information-flow security directly into the design of multi-agent cyber-physical systems.

You will work at the intersection of control theory, multi-agent systems, formal methods, and cyber-physical systems security. The project includes theory and algorithm development for characterizing information leakage, secure coordination, and scalable distributed design. Methods will be tested through simulations and multi-robot experiments, with opportunities to validate research in the Autonomous Motion Control Lab using ground robots, drones, and autonomous racing vehicles.

The position offers a collaborative research environment at TU/e with close scientific supervision and room to shape your own research direction. The work is intended to contribute to safer and more resilient autonomous systems for applications in mobility, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and critical infrastructure.

Eligibility: applicants should have a master’s degree or equivalent in Systems and Control, Automation Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field. A strong academic record is required, along with motivation, curiosity, interdisciplinary teamwork skills, and fluent English (C1). Experience in formal methods and/or robotics is considered an advantage.

Funding and conditions: this is a full-time PhD employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. Salary is in Dutch university scale P, with a gross monthly base salary of approximately €3,204 to €4,051 plus holiday allowance and year-end bonus. TU/e also mentions pension contributions, training support, commuting/work-from-home allowances, immigration support, and moving expense compensation.

Application deadline: 2026-09-13. Apply online only; complete applications should include a cover letter, CV with publications, and the contact details of three references.