Delft University of Technology
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PhD Position in Efficient Online Optimization and Safe Learning for Time-Varying Control Systems Delft University of Technology in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
A four-year PhD employment period is offered in principle through two contracts: an initial 1.5-year contract with a go/no-go assessment within 15 months, followed by a 2.5-year contract subject to satisfactory performance. The gross monthly salary increases from €3,204 in the first year to €4,051 in the fourth year for a full-time 38-hour contract. Benefits include 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, a customisable compensation package, health-insurance discounts, a monthly work-co
Deadline
Nov 23, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Delft University of Technology
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About this position
This PhD project at the Delft Center for Systems and Control addresses safe and computationally efficient learning for time-varying optimal control problems. The research is motivated by the energy inefficiency of industrial systems, electricity production, and building heating systems, and by the need to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions while maintaining operational safety.
The project will investigate how learning-based control algorithms can simultaneously learn system models and guarantee safety when the optimal decision changes over time. Existing safe learning methods often depend on unlimited experimental data or repetitive experiments, which limits their use in evolving settings such as residential buildings. The research will develop a framework for safe learning with minimal interactions over time by connecting the dynamics of optimized systems with the numerical properties of optimization algorithms.
The work combines theoretical development with experimental validation. Applications will include energy systems and residential-building control, with laboratory testing conducted in collaboration with Dr Giulia de Pasquale from Eindhoven University of Technology and partners in Switzerland at the Next Evolution in Sustainable Building Technologies (NEST) residential building.
The doctoral researcher will join the group of Dr Marta Zagorowska within TU Delft's Delft Center for Systems and Control and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. The wider TU Delft Graduate School provides an international research environment with supervisors, academic staff, mentoring, and doctoral education designed to develop transferable, discipline-related, and research skills.
Funding details
A four-year PhD employment period is offered in principle through two contracts: an initial 1.5-year contract with a go/no-go assessment within 15 months, followed by a 2.5-year contract subject to satisfactory performance. The gross monthly salary increases from €3,204 in the first year to €4,051 in the fourth year for a full-time 38-hour contract. Benefits include 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, a customisable compensation package, health-insurance discounts, a monthly work-co
What's required
An MSc degree in Systems and Control, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a similar field is essential. Prior experience with optimization algorithms is essential; experience with Bayesian optimization and numerical methods is desirable. Candidates should have strong collaboration, communication, and writing skills and must meet TU Delft's English proficiency requirements for doctoral study.
How to apply
Apply through the vacancy's Apply button by 23 November 2026. Upload a CV, cover letter, and copies of university degrees with BSc and MSc transcripts; address the application to Dr Marta Zagorowska.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.