PhD and Postdoctoral Positions in Nonlinear Control, Optimization, and Autonomous Systems at University of Oklahoma

The Energy Systems and Controls Lab (ESCL) at the University of Oklahoma, led by Assistant Professor Dong Zhang, is seeking applications for at least one postdoctoral researcher (immediate start) and one PhD student (Fall 2026 start). The lab is part of the School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering and focuses on dynamic systems modeling, controls, and optimization to advance efficiency, safety, and sustainability in integrated energy systems. Research areas include nonlinear control theory, state estimation, optimization, and adaptive data-enabled control systems governed by partial differential equations, with applications to battery systems with composite electrodes. The PhD position is fully funded and targets candidates with a strong background in nonlinear control theory, state estimation, and optimization. Experience in control design for PDE-governed systems is highly desirable. Applicants must have obtained or be currently enrolled in a M.S. degree. The research will involve adaptive control systems for battery technologies, intersecting with energy storage, renewable energy integration, and electrified transportation. The postdoctoral position focuses on optimization and intelligent decision-making for autonomous vehicles and robotic systems. Ideal candidates should have experience in vehicle environment perception, multi-sensor data fusion, learning-based object detection and path planning, and real-time system integration. The lab's research is at the intersection of renewable energy, mobility, system controls, optimization, and machine learning, providing a rich environment for interdisciplinary collaboration. Interested candidates should email Prof. Dong Zhang ([email protected]) with a CV, undergraduate and MS transcripts, a brief personal research statement, and selected publications or writing samples if available. For more information about the lab and its research, visit https://www.escl-ou.com . The application deadline for the PhD position is December 28, 2025, for a Fall 2026 start. The postdoctoral position is open for immediate start. Keywords: nonlinear control theory, state estimation, optimization, partial differential equations, adaptive control, battery systems, autonomous vehicles, robotic systems, vehicle environment perception, multi-sensor data fusion, object detection, path planning, real-time system integration, energy systems, machine learning.