Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is inviting applications for a fully funded 4-year PhD Position in Efficient Online Optimization for Time-Varying Systems within the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. This project focuses on developing computationally efficient and safe learning methods for time-varying optimal control problems to significantly improve energy efficiency in energy-intensive sectors.
Overview Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | PhD Candidate / Doctoral Researcher |
| Host Institution | Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) |
| Faculty / Department | Faculty of Mechanical Engineering / Delft Center for Systems and Control (DCSC) |
| Research Area | Systems and Control, Optimization Algorithms, Bayesian Optimization |
| Location | Delft, Netherlands |
| Salary | €3,204 to €4,051 gross per month (plus 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus) |
| Duration | 4 years (full-time, 38–40 hours/week) |
| Application Deadline | 23 November 2026 |
Designation
PhD Candidate (Doctoral Researcher) in Systems and Control.
Research Area
The research is situated at the intersection of systems and control, numerical mathematics, and computer science. Core topics include:
- Safe and adaptive learning control methods
- Online optimization algorithms for time-varying systems
- Bayesian optimization with safety constraints
- Experimental validation on sustainable infrastructure (including collaboration with TU Eindhoven and the NEST residential test facility in Switzerland)
Location
Delft Center for Systems and Control (DCSC), Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, TU Delft, Delft, Netherlands.
Eligibility/Qualification
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Essential: An MSc degree in Systems and Control, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
- Essential: Prior academic or research experience with optimization algorithms.
- Desirable: Experience with Bayesian optimization.
- Desirable: Experience with numerical methods and computational mathematics.
- Strong interpersonal, collaboration, scientific communication, and academic writing skills.
- High proficiency in English meeting the admission requirements of the TU Delft Graduate School.
Scholarship Description
Inefficient operations across heating, electricity generation, and industrial plants contribute to more than 50% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Safe learning-based control algorithms provide a crucial mechanism to improve energy efficiency while guaranteeing operational safety. However, prevailing methods require continuous experimentation and vast datasets, limiting their practical use in time-evolving environments such as residential buildings.
This PhD project will explore the deep connections between dynamic systems and the numerical properties of optimization algorithms, aiming to formulate safe learning frameworks that require minimal data interactions. The successful doctoral researcher will join the group of Dr. Marta Zagorowska at the Delft Center for Systems and Control (DCSC) and participate in experimental validation alongside partners at TU Eindhoven and in Switzerland. The starting date will be no later than 30 March 2027.
Employment Conditions & Benefits
- A 4-year contract (initially 1.5 years, extended by 2.5 years following a positive progress assessment at 15 months).
- Monthly gross salary ranging from €3,204 in the first year to €4,051 in the fourth year (in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).
- Additional 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
- Full enrollment in the TU Delft Graduate School with access to the Doctoral Education Programme.
- Comprehensive relocation assistance through the Coming to Delft Service, including support for accompanying partners.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application online through the official TU Delft recruitment portal. Address your application letter to Dr. Marta Zagorowska and upload the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter explaining your motivation and research interests
- Copies of university degree certificates and official academic transcripts (BSc and MSc)
Note: Applications sent via email will not be considered due to data protection regulations.
Last Date for Apply
The deadline to submit applications is 23 November 2026.
Apply Link
To view the official job announcement and submit your application, please visit: TU Delft Official Application Portal
