Nathan van de Wouw

Eindhoven University of Technology, a leading research institution in the Netherlands, is offering six PhD positions focused on advancing design automation and diagnostics in the semiconductor industry. The university is renowned for its collaborative culture and strong ties to high-tech industries, particularly in the Brainport region. These positions span the departments of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mathematics and Computer Science, and are aimed at solving complex, multidisciplinary challenges in system-level modelling, analysis, design, and synthesis for semiconductor equipment, especially lithography machines. The research topics include automated computational design synthesis of system topologies, scenario-based system-level performance engineering, timing-aware distributed supervisory controller synthesis, AI-driven legacy system explanation and refactoring, data mining for diagnostics using knowledge graphs and foundation models, and automating health monitoring in semiconductor equipment. Each project is supervised by leading academics and involves collaboration with industry partners such as ASML AI Research. Candidates will work in a vibrant, interdisciplinary environment, receive comprehensive training, and benefit from excellent employment conditions including a four-year contract, competitive salary, bonuses, pension, paid leave, and support for international staff. Applicants must have a master’s degree in a relevant field and demonstrate strong analytical, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. Specific expertise in software engineering, programming, cyber-physical systems, formal methods, AI, data mining, control theory, and related areas is required for certain positions. Applications are accepted online until November 30, 2025, and should include a cover letter, CV, and references. The university provides a supportive infrastructure, professional development opportunities, and a dynamic campus environment. For more information, candidates are encouraged to contact the listed supervisors or HR services.

Eindhoven University of Technology is offering six PhD positions focused on advancing design automation, diagnostics, and AI applications for complex semiconductor systems, particularly lithography machines. These positions span the departments of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mathematics and Computer Science, and are designed to address the limitations of current domain-specific automation solutions by developing holistic, system-level approaches. The research topics include automated computational design synthesis of system topologies, scenario-based compositional system-level performance engineering, timing-aware distributed supervisory controller synthesis, AI-driven legacy system explanation and refactoring, data mining for diagnostics using knowledge graphs and foundation models, and automating health monitoring in semiconductor equipment. Each project is supervised by leading academics and, in some cases, involves collaboration with industrial partners such as ASML AI Research. Candidates will work on cutting-edge challenges such as system architecture exploration, model-based performance engineering, supervisory control synthesis, generative AI for software maintenance, advanced diagnostic frameworks, and predictive monitoring technologies. Applicants should have strong backgrounds in relevant fields, with specific skills required for each position, such as software engineering, formal methods, control theory, and AI. The positions offer the opportunity to contribute to innovation in the Brainport region and beyond, working in interdisciplinary teams and with internationally recognized industrial partners. Funding details are not specified in the announcement. Interested candidates should apply online via the AcademicTransfer link, submitting their CV, motivation letter, and transcripts, and indicating their preferred PhD project(s).

This PhD position focuses on the contract-based design of complex dynamical systems, aiming to simplify and automate the design process for high-tech systems such as semiconductor equipment and robots. Hosted within the Dynamics and Control section at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, the project is part of a collaborative effort involving four PhD students—two at Eindhoven and two at the University of Groningen. The research will develop novel tools based on contract-based system theory to translate system-level requirements into module-level specifications, addressing both time- and frequency-domain behaviors. One vacancy centers on analyzing system-level dynamics-related requirements, while the other targets second-order structural dynamics systems with nonlinearities, commonly found in mechatronic and robotic applications. The project offers opportunities to collaborate with leading companies in chip manufacturing and robotics, providing a strong academic and industrial profile. PhD candidates will have access to graduate courses at the Dutch Institute of Systems and Control (DISC) and the Engineering Mechanics Research School (EM), and will be part of a vibrant research community of over 60 members. The position is jointly supervised by Dr. Nathan van de Wouw and Dr. Bart Besselink, and encourages collaboration with industry in the Brainport region and academic researchers worldwide. Applicants should have a solid background in dynamical systems, system theory, control, and structural dynamics, and be motivated to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.

This PhD position at Eindhoven University of Technology focuses on the combined use of physics-based and machine learning-based modeling for complex dynamical systems, with a particular application to semiconductor equipment for heterogeneous integration. The project is situated within the Dynamics and Control section of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, a vibrant research community dedicated to advancing intelligent autonomous systems for industry and society. You will join a team of two PhD students working on hybrid modeling frameworks that synergize the strengths of physics-based models (interpretability, generalizability) and machine learning models (accuracy, data-driven insights) to create highly predictive dynamical models for high-tech industrial applications. The research will address the limitations of traditional physics-based models in multi-physics contexts and leverage AI and machine learning to enhance predictive capacity, while maintaining interpretability and generalizability. The core industrial use case involves collaboration with ASMPT, a leading company in semiconductor equipment, providing opportunities for both academic and industrial research experience. You will have access to graduate courses at the Dutch Institute of Systems and Control (DISC) and the Engineering Mechanics Research School (EM), and collaborate with industry partners in the Brainport region as well as academic researchers worldwide. Supervision is provided by Professor Nathan van de Wouw, an expert in dynamical systems and control. The position offers full-time employment for four years, with a competitive salary (scale P: €3,059–€3,881/month), year-end bonus, vacation pay, pension scheme, paid parental leave, commuting and internet allowance, and a tax compensation scheme for international candidates. You will spend 10–15% of your time on teaching tasks and benefit from high-quality training programs, technical infrastructure, and support services including staff immigration assistance. Applicants should hold a master’s degree in dynamical systems, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, AI and machine learning, or applied mathematics, and possess a strong background in systems theory and machine learning. Affinity with mechatronics or robotics is preferred, and proficiency in Matlab or Python is expected. The ability to work independently and collaboratively, as well as fluency in English, are required. To apply, submit a complete application online including your CV, publication list, contact information for three references, a statement of interest, diplomas and transcripts, and a brief description of your MSc thesis or relevant research projects. Applications sent by email or post will not be processed. The vacancy will remain open until filled, with a formal deadline of January 4, 2026. For further information, contact Professor Nathan van de Wouw ([email protected]) and always cc Mrs. Geertje Janssen-Dols ([email protected]). Additional HR contacts are available for queries about employment conditions. Join TU/e and contribute to cutting-edge research in dynamical systems, control, and machine learning, while building a strong academic and industrial profile in a leading international university.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is offering a PhD position focused on the contract-based design of complex dynamical systems. This research is situated within the Dynamics and Control section, which is renowned for its world-class research and strong ties to the high-tech industry, particularly in the Brainport region of the Netherlands. The project aims to simplify and enhance the design process of complex dynamical systems—such as semiconductor machines, robots, and other high-tech equipment—by developing novel tools based on contract-based system theory. These tools will automate and improve the translation of system-level requirements into module-level specifications, addressing both time- and frequency-domain behaviors. The research is highly interdisciplinary, combining elements of mechanical engineering, systems and control theory, applied mathematics, and mechatronics. The successful candidate will join a team of four PhD students (two at TU/e and two at the University of Groningen) and will have opportunities to collaborate with leading high-tech companies in chip manufacturing and robotics. The position is jointly supervised by Professor Nathan van de Wouw (TU/e) and Dr. Bart Besselink (University of Groningen), offering a strong academic and industrial network. The PhD candidate will have access to graduate courses at the Dutch Institute of Systems and Control (DISC) and the Engineering Mechanics Research School (EM), and will be part of a vibrant research community of over 60 members. Applicants should hold a master’s degree in systems and control, mechanical engineering, or applied mathematics, with a strong background in dynamical systems and control theory. Experience with Matlab or Python, and an affinity for mechatronics or robotics, are required. The position offers a four-year full-time contract, with a competitive salary (scale P: €3,059–€3,881), year-end bonus, vacation pay, pension, parental leave, and additional allowances. International candidates may benefit from the 30% tax compensation scheme. The application process is online only, and candidates must submit a CV, motivation letter, academic transcripts, and a brief description of their MSc thesis or relevant research. The vacancy will remain open until filled, with a formal deadline of November 20, 2025.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join the Dynamics and Control section for research on diagnostics of interconnected complex dynamical systems. This position is part of the 'Holistic Design Automation for Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment' project, involving collaboration with the semiconductor company ASML and multiple departments at TU/e, including Electrical Engineering and Mathematics and Computer Science. The research focuses on developing innovative monitoring algorithms for complex dynamical systems, particularly semiconductor equipment, to automate fault isolation and provide diagnostics performance guarantees. Key topics include interconnected dynamical systems, (distributed) observer design, data-driven approaches, machine learning methods, and fault detection and isolation. The project aims to address the challenges of monitoring and diagnosing faults in systems with many interconnected modules, where traditional approaches either fail to account for module interactions or make fault isolation difficult. As a PhD candidate, you will design hierarchical diagnostic tools, collaborate with both academic and industrial partners, and have access to graduate courses at the Dutch Institute of Systems and Control (DISC). You will be part of a vibrant research community of over 60 researchers, including faculty, postdocs, and PhD students, working on advanced control, estimation, planning, learning, and diagnostics strategies for intelligent autonomous systems. The position is supervised by Dr. Michelle Chong, Prof.dr.ir. Nathan van de Wouw, and Prof.dr.ir. Tom Oomen. Applicants should have a master's degree in systems and control, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or applied mathematics, with a strong background in mathematical control theory. Experience or interest in hybrid dynamical systems, observer design, learning techniques, and optimization is expected, along with proficiency in Matlab or Python. Fluency in English and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are required. The position offers a four-year full-time contract with a competitive salary (€3,059 - €3,881 per month), year-end bonus, vacation pay, pension scheme, paid leave, training programs, technical infrastructure, childcare, sports facilities, commuting and home working allowances, and a tax compensation scheme for international candidates. The application deadline is 21st February 2026. Applications must be submitted online with all required documents, including CV, publication list, references, statement of interest, diplomas, transcripts, and a brief description of your MSc thesis or relevant projects. For more information, contact Dr. Michelle S. Chong ([email protected]), Prof.dr.ir. Nathan van de Wouw ([email protected]), or Prof.dr.ir. Tom Oomen ([email protected]). For application details, visit the official job posting or the TU/e career page.

The Eindhoven University of Technology invites applications for a PhD position focused on contract-based design of complex dynamical systems. This opportunity is situated within the Dynamics and Control section of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, a vibrant research community dedicated to advancing intelligent autonomous systems for industry and society. The research aims to develop novel tools based on contract-based system theory to automate and refine the translation of system-level requirements into module specifications, addressing challenges in high-tech domains such as semiconductor machines and robotics. As a PhD candidate, you will join a team of four PhD students collaborating across Eindhoven University of Technology and University of Groningen. The project involves analyzing system-level dynamics-related requirements in both time and frequency domains, with a particular focus on second-order structural dynamics systems with nonlinearities, commonly found in mechatronic and robotic applications. You will have the opportunity to work with four high-tech companies in chip manufacturing and robotics, applying your research in an industrial context and building a strong academic and industrial profile. The Dynamics and Control Section offers access to graduate courses at the Dutch Institute of Systems and Control (DISC) and the Engineering Mechanics Research School (EM), as well as collaboration opportunities with industry in the Brainport region and academic researchers worldwide. The section comprises over 60 researchers, including faculty, postdocs, and PhD students, working on diverse topics in dynamical systems and control. This position is jointly supervised by Professor Nathan van de Wouw (Eindhoven University of Technology) and Dr. Bart Besselink (University of Groningen). Applicants should have a master’s degree in systems and control, mechanical engineering, or applied mathematics, with a strong background in dynamical systems and control theory. Affinity with mechatronics or robotics, proficiency in Matlab or Python, and fluency in English are required. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work independently and collaboratively, and have a keen interest in complex dynamical systems. Employment is full-time for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. The position includes teaching responsibilities (10–15% of employment), a competitive salary (scale P: €3,059–€3,881/month), year-end bonus, vacation pay, pension scheme, paid parental leave, commuting and home working allowances, technical infrastructure, sports facilities, on-campus childcare, and support for international candidates (including the 30% tax facility). The university offers high-quality training programs and encourages self-directed learning and professional growth. To apply, submit a complete application online, including a cover letter, CV with publications and references, explanation of research interest, diplomas and transcripts, and a brief description of your MSc thesis or relevant projects. The vacancy remains open until filled, with priority given to complete applications. Applications sent by email or post will not be processed. For further information, contact Professor Nathan van de Wouw at [email protected] or visit his academic page. Join Eindhoven University of Technology, a leading international institution in the Brainport region, and contribute to cutting-edge research in contract-based design of complex dynamical systems.

This PhD position at Eindhoven University of Technology is part of the SecReSy4You MSCA Doctoral Network, focusing on the security and resilience of cyber-physical systems (CPS) through resilient control. Hosted in the Dynamics and Control section of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the project aims to develop advanced control laws for hybrid dynamical systems that can withstand adversarial conditions and meet complex specifications. The research is highly interdisciplinary, combining mathematical systems and control theory, optimization, and cyber security, with applications in autonomous systems such as self-driving vehicles and medical robots. The successful candidate will join a vibrant international network funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, collaborating with 9 academic institutions and industry partners across Europe. The doctoral network offers a comprehensive training program, including technical and transferable skills, and access to graduate courses at the Dutch Institute of Systems and Control (DISC). The PhD will be supervised by Dr. Michelle Chong and Professor Nathan van de Wouw, both leading experts in the field. Responsibilities include conducting research on CPS resilience and security, publishing in top journals and conferences, participating in network-wide events, undertaking academic and industrial secondments, and contributing to teaching (10-15% of employment). The position offers full-time employment for four years, with a competitive salary (scale P: €3,059 - €3,881/month), year-end bonus, vacation pay, pension, parental leave, and additional allowances for commuting, internet, and tax compensation for international candidates. The university provides a supportive environment with excellent infrastructure, sports facilities, and on-campus childcare. Applicants must have a master’s degree in systems and control, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or applied mathematics, and meet the MSCA mobility rule (not having resided in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the past 3 years). A strong background in mathematical systems and control theory, interest in hybrid dynamical systems and cyber security, and proficiency in Matlab or Python are required. Fluency in English and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are essential. To apply, submit a complete application online including a CV, statement of interest, diplomas and transcripts, and a brief description of your MSc thesis or relevant projects. The position remains open until filled, with priority given to complete applications. For further information, contact Dr. Michelle S. Chong at [email protected] or visit her academic page . The application portal is available here .