PRR Project

Summary

Job DescriptionThe open position is for a specialist in control systems with a Ph.D. in Engineering or Applied Mathematics. The successful candidate will lead, organize, and coordinate scientific activities related to control theory, optimal control, model predictive control, optimization-based control, advanced control design, and applications to, e.g., robotics, production, energy, and health. Emphasis will be placed on research with substantial impact on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The prospective employee will conduct cutting-edge research in the field of control systems and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to apply numerical methods and control techniques to solve complex engineering problems in various domains. Responsibilities will also include publishing research findings in prestigious journals and conference proceedings in the area, preparing patent applications, supporting the management of approved projects, preparing new project proposals and organizing conferences and scientific events. The role involves collaboration with academic and industry partners, at national and international levels. Additionally, the prospective employee will contribute to the teaching and supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students within the fundamental topics, fostering the next generation of engineers as well as the integration of new grant holders/researchers into the research group. Scientific ProfileThe prospective employee should possess a Ph.D. in Engineering or in Applied Mathematics, or a closely related field, with a strong background in optimal control, model predictive control, algorithms for optimization-based control, and its applications to robotics, energy, and health, valuing research with high impact on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Proven experience in developing and implementing numerical algorithms for solving optimal control problems as well as proficiency in programming languages such as MATLAB, Mathematica, Python and experience with tools such as AMPL, ICLOCS, CasADi, or similar optimization packages is considered to be of value. Experience in patent application and patent text finalization is also valued. Strong project management and organizational skills and ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams and collaborate with industrial partners is highly desirable. Previous experience documented by indexed publications is a requisite and teaching experience to engineering degrees is highly valued. Experience with grant writing, research and development projects, project management, and the ability to secure research funding is highly desirable. RationaleThe world is facing critical challenges related to energy consumption, environmental sustainability, and technological advancements. To address these challenges, an increasing focus is being placed on optimizing control systems. Optimization-based control algorithms are crucial for enhancing efficiency and performance in several industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, robotics, energy, and autonomous systems. Hiring a candidate with a strong scientific profile in this field will enable our university to develop advanced control strategies that optimize energy consumption, reduce waste, and improve overall system performance. The candidate can explore new mathematical models, design optimization algorithms, and develop innovative control solutions that are applied in various sectors such as: Airborne Wind Energy - a field where FEUP, through SYSTEC, can propose innovative ways to exploit high-altitude winds for power generation with potential to revolutionize the renewable energy sector - Autonomous Vehicles – a field where advanced control systems, sensor fusion techniques, and optimization algorithms can contribute to the development of autonomous vehicles that are safer, more energy-efficient, and capable of handling complex scenarios. Hiring a candidate also with a focus on autonomous vehicles technology can facilitate advancements in real-time control systems, and sensor integration. The expertise of such candidate can drive advancements in control systems, accelerate the adoption of renewable energy sources, enhance autonomous vehicles technologies, and align research and development efforts with global sustainability goals. By investing in this researcher, organizations can position themselves at the forefront of innovation, foster cross-disciplinary collaborations, and contribute to a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.Essentially, hiring experts in optimization-based control techniques is critical to advancing research, solving societal challenges, and enhancing an institution´s reputation for academic excellence. Potential employees are prepared to play a key role in strengthening the institution´s reputation for research and education and enabling it to achieve sustainable and impactful results.