Key Skills

Job Description

Introduction How can robot collectives be used to manage crowds in a dynamic urban environment in real time? We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to help us answer this question by joining us in the RE-FLOW project (REconfigurable robot collectives for real-time FLOW control). The RE-FLOW project is supported by the EAISI Multidisciplinary AI Research (EMDAIR) program, and combines computer science with robotics, control-theory, and applied physics to lay the foundations for a new generation of AI-enabled robot collectives that can act as adaptive physical infrastructure. Job Description As a PhD student working on the project, your main task is to perform research, in close collaboration with your supervisory team and others involved in the project. The supervisory team consists of dr. Tim Ophelders, dr. Elena Torta, and prof. dr. Bettina Speckmann. Your tasks as a PhD student also include participating in international conferences and workshops to present your results. Besides working on your research project, you will also assist in some algorithms-related courses, as a teaching assistant (TA). This project offers a unique opportunity to work on a new research direction at the intersection of control, AI, and robotics. You will develop the execution layer of the RE-FLOW architecture, specializing in the algorithmic foundations required to efficiently reconfigure robot collectives into specified target configurations. You will leverage theoretical research to develop algorithms for reconfiguring virtual as well as physical robots. You will be working in the TU/e Algorithms cluster (algo.win.tue.nl), one of the largest research groups world-wide that focuses on algorithms research. The cluster provides a lively and international environment for your research. You will become part of the vibrant AI ecosystem of TU/e and the Eindhoven Artificial Intelligence Systems Institute (eaisi.tue.nl), and collaborate closely with the Roboflow group (roboflow.phys.tue.nl), which bridges Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, and Mechanical Engineering. As a PhD student, you do need not speak Dutch: it is easy to get by with English, not only at the university (where all courses are taught in English) but also in everyday life. Job Requirements A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Mathematics or Computer Science, with a strong background in algorithms. A passion for research in computational geometry and multi-agent motion planning. An ability to implement motion-planning algorithms. An interest in teaching algorithms-related courses. Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level). Conditions of Employment A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In Addition, We Offer You Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,204 - max. € 4,051 gross base salary per month (full-time)). In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary. Generous leave options: a standard 29 days (based on a 38 hour working week) per year that you can increase to 41 days by working two hours more per week (flexible working hours). This is prorated if you work part-time. As a TU/e employee, you participate in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. TU/e pays 70% of the pension premium, while employees contribute the remaining 30%. High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. An excellent technical infrastructure, and on-campus children's day care. Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate. We support your wellbeing with free 24/7 access to OpenUp, providing you and your family with mental health support, expert guidance, and online training. An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) for international candidates. On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e! About Us We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community. Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here. Information Would you like to know more? Please contact dr. Tim Ophelders ([email protected]). Visit our website for more information about the application process. Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video. Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page. Application We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a: Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position. Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of up to three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application. Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected. We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled: for full consideration, submit your application by October 2. Please note You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Core Responsibilities

The PhD candidate will conduct research on reconfigurable robot collectives for real-time flow control within the RE-FLOW project. Additionally, the role involves assisting in algorithms-related courses as a teaching assistant and presenting research findings at international conferences.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a master's degree in Mathematics or Computer Science with a strong background in algorithms. Proficiency in English and the ability to implement motion-planning algorithms are essential requirements.

Benefits

• Pension scheme
• Paid pregnancy and maternity leave
• Partially paid parental leave
• Holiday allowance
• Year-end bonus
• Flexible working hours
• On-campus children's day care
• Student sports center access
• Mental health support
• Commuting allowance
• Work from home allowance
• Internet costs allowance
• Tax compensation scheme