Idris Kempf
Top university
6 days ago
PhD Studentship in Control Engineering - Integrated Control Architectures for Next-Generation Synchrotron Light Sources University of Oxford in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Available
Deadline
Dec 2, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Oxford

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About this position
Research area: This 3.5-year DPhil studentship at the University of Oxford focuses on integrated control architectures for next-generation synchrotron light sources.
The project addresses a timely and technically rich challenge: modern synchrotron facilities rely on multiple interacting feedback systems, including fast and slow orbit feedback, radio-frequency systems, electron beam position monitors, and X-ray beam diagnostics. These systems are often designed independently, yet they increasingly act on common accelerator dynamics and can have overlapping or competing objectives. The research will develop new methods to coordinate these systems in a structured, distributed, and hierarchical way, helping improve electron and X-ray beam stability while respecting practical limits on centralised control.
Research themes may include: structured system decomposition, multi-array matrix and tensor factorisations, disturbance-observer-based control, system shaping methods, and Control Architecture Theory for distributed and multi-rate feedback design. The work will be developed in collaboration with Diamond Light Source and evaluated using realistic accelerator models and, where possible, experimental systems. There are also opportunities to engage with synchrotron light sources worldwide.
Funding: This is a full studentship open to UK and overseas applicants. It covers tuition fees at the home or overseas rate, as applicable, plus a stipend. The stipend is provided at the UKRI minimum for the first year and for at least a further two and a half years.
Eligibility: Applicants should hold, or expect to hold, a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent) in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or a closely related discipline. Strong written and spoken English is required. Desirable experience includes solid mathematical preparation, programming skills in MATLAB or Python, relevant knowledge of systems and control, signal processing, optimisation, or numerical linear algebra, and previous research or practical experience in real-time or embedded control.
Application: Apply through the University of Oxford graduate application system using the Apply button on the programme page. The deadline is noon on Tuesday 2 December 2026. Applicants should quote reference 27ENGCO_IK. Informal enquiries may be sent to Professor Idris Kempf ([email protected]).
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants should have a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours, or equivalent, in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or a related discipline. Excellent English written and spoken communication skills are required. Desirable experience includes a strong mathematical background, programming in MATLAB, Python, or similar scientific languages, knowledge of systems and control, signal processing, optimisation, or numerical linear algebra, previous research experience such as a final-year project, internship, or Master's project, and experience with real-time or embedded control systems.
How to apply
Submit a graduate application form via the Apply button on the University of Oxford page. Quote 27ENGCO_IK in all correspondence and in your graduate application. Direct informal enquiries to Professor Idris Kempf at [email protected].
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