PhD student in game-theoretic methods for autonomous multi-agent systems

Project description

Research education subject: Electrical and Systems Engineering

Autonomous systems are increasingly used alongside humans to perform complex, coordinated tasks. In these environments, autonomous systems must handle strict spatial and temporal constraints while simultaneously adapting in real-time to high-level commands, unexpected obstacles, and environmental disturbances. Enabling reliable human-robot collaboration requires new mathematical foundations and computational tools that unify decision-making, planning, and control.

We are seeking an exceptionally skilled PhD student to conduct research at the interface of game theory, hybrid systems, and control engineering for autonomous multi-agent systems. The position is part of the flagship project ”Human-in-the-Loop Autonomy via Hybrid Games” within the framework of Digital Futures. The work will encompass both mathematical foundations for hybrid games and the design of computationally tractable control systems for implementation on physical robot platforms.

The research will address:

Hybrid dynamic games under task specifications based on temporal logic; Game-theoretic modeling of human-robot interaction; Experimental validation on multi-robot systems and underwater robotics platforms;

Supervision: Assistant Professor Giuseppe Belgioioso and Professor Dimos Dimarogonas are proposed to supervise the PhD student. Decisions are made upon admission.

Eligibility for admission

To be admitted to doctoral studies (Chapter 7, Section 39 of the Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must possess basic eligibility:

a completed advanced level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits are at the advanced level, or knowledge acquired in some other way, within or outside the country, that mainly corresponds to these requirements.

In addition to the above, there is also a mandatory requirement for English proficiency equivalent to English B/6.

Selection

To succeed in your doctoral studies at KTH, you need to be goal-oriented and persistent in your work. During the selection of applicants, the ability to:

independently drive your work forward, collaborate with others, maintain a professional approach, and analyze and work with complex issues, will be assessed.

A strong background in the mathematical tools necessary for the project, particularly in optimization and control theory, is required. Knowledge of game theory, hybrid systems or multi-agent systems, model predictive control, or formal methods is meritorious. Since the project involves both numerical and experimental work, competence in programming and numerical simulation, as well as any practical experience with robot platforms, is also valuable.

Selected candidates must be able to provide contact information for at least one academic or professional reference. The candidate must be able to demonstrate high motivation for doctoral studies.

After the eligibility requirements, great importance will be placed on personal qualities.

Target degree: PhD

Information about admission and employment

Only those admitted to doctoral studies may be employed as a PhD student. The total period of employment may not exceed what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. An employed PhD student may, to a limited extent (at most 20%), perform certain tasks within, e.g., education and administration. A new employment as a PhD student is valid for at most one year; the employment may thereafter be renewed for at most two years at a time.

As a PhD student, you will benefit from KTH's employment benefits and will have a monthly salary according to KTH's agreements for PhD salaries. Read more about Research studies at KTH | KTH | Sweden.

Union representatives

Contact details for union representatives.

The Doctoral Section (Tekniska högskolans studentkår)

Contact details for the Doctoral Section.

Application

You apply via KTH's recruitment system. As an applicant, you are primarily responsible for ensuring that your application is complete when submitted.

The application must contain the following:

Copies of degree certificates and transcripts from previous university studies and certificates of fulfilled language requirements (see above). Translations into English or Swedish are required if the original document is not issued in one of these languages. Copies of originals must be certified. CV with relevant professional experience and knowledge (Max 2 pages). Cover letter with a concise account of why you want to pursue doctoral studies, your academic interests, and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (Max 1 page) Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, please attach a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text. Name of at least 1 academic or professional reference.

The application must reach KTH no later than the application deadline at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

Other information

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