A postdoctoral researcher position is available at the Distributed and Networked Control Systems (DNCS) Group, directed by Professor Themistoklis Charalambous, in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, School of Electrical Engineering, Aalto University. We are seeking for exceptional postdoctoral researchers that have an earned PhD, that have evidence of independent research, to tackle complex and exciting problems in the fields of networked control systems, multi-agent systems, distributed coordination, distributed optimization or a similar topic. Experience in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITSs), and more specifically in (large-scale) traffic control mechanisms is considered as a plus.

In addition to research work, the postdoctoral researcher is expected to participate to the supervision of students and teaching related to their expertise and research topics. The contract period is for two years. The starting date is the earliest convenient. The salary level for a postdoctoral researcher is competitive, and depends on experience and qualifications. The contract includes occupational health services and Finland has a comprehensive social security system.

Subject

Networked Control Systems (NCSs) have a wide range of applications in a plethora of areas, such as factory automation networks and autonomous systems, including Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITSs) and Robotics. As a result, we have been witnessing a great surge in both research and industrial interest towards the realization of such systems. The Postdoctoral researcher is expected to conduct outstanding and independent research on control-aware communication strategies and communication-aware control strategies for NCSs, multi-agent systems distributed coordination, distributed optimization, or a relevant topic.

Traffic congestion is a common problem faced by major cities, which is deteriorating due to urbanization and population growth, causing economic and social losses. For alleviating this problem, besides increasing the capacity of the network through new infrastructure (such as bridges, smart roundabouts and a new design of the network), the implementation of traffic control strategies represents a more efficient and sustainable alternative. In order to operate future transport systems safely and efficiently, there is need of designing and implementing a collaborative system, where (automated) vehicles and infrastructure exchange information and coordinate their actions. The efficient operation of smart transportation systems necessitates distributed decision making with local information exchange for real-time and reliable updates.

Candidate’s profile

We are looking for highly motivated, research-oriented candidates that have completed their PhD degree before the start of the contract period. Proficiency in English is a necessary prerequisite. In the review process, particular emphasis will be given on the quality of the candidate's previous research and international experience, together with the substance and innovativeness of their research interests, and their relevance to the DNCS group research programs.

How to apply

Please send your application as a single PDF file by the 28th of February 2020, through the recruitment system via "Apply now" link below. The application should include:
1) Letter of motivation (maximum 1 page in 10pt font size)
2) A complete curriculum vitae describing education and employment history with contact details
3) List of publications, with pointers to at most three of the most relevant publications
4) Contact details of at least two referees   

For further information, please contact Professor Themistoklis Charalambous ([email protected]), and questions related to recruitment process, please contact HR Coordinator Jaana Hanninen ([email protected]). Applications via email will NOT be taken into account.

Aalto University

AALTO (Aalto University) has six schools with nearly 20,000 students and more than 400 professors. Our campuses are located in Espoo and Helsinki, Finland. The School of Electrical Engineering fosters basic research as well as the development of the latest technologies, providing top-quality engineering education. AALTO’s Shanghai subject ranking 2016 in Electrical & Electronic Engineering is 51-75 world wide and 13-17 in Europe. Aalto is an international community: more than 30% of our academic personnel are non-Finns. Aalto is in world’s top-10 of young universities (QS Top 50 under 50).

The Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation is a part of AALTO’s School of Electrical Engineering. Hosting a multitude of international and world-leading researchers, the Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation provides a truly inspirational ecosystem, where scientists and engineers from different fields interact and work together by crossing traditional boundaries to solve the most challenging scientific and technological problems, provide an excellent education and produce greater wellbeing for society in general. Its main research focus areas are: control, robotics, autonomous systems, power systems, and Industrial electronics and informatics. The department develops technologies, data models and standards supporting the integration of industrial information systems.