PhD Position Dynamic Game Theoretic Control for Constrained Systems

Job description

The candidate will conduct theoretical and computational research on game theory and multi-agent optimization for complex systems. The research will develop and build upon tools from distributionally robust optimization, convex-monotone game theory and data-driven optimal transport.

Potential application areas include distributed power systems, multi-vehicle automated driving and human-machine collaboration.

The position is in the context of the research project “Data driven Game theoretic Control for Constrained Systems” (ARGON), funded by the European Research Council (ERC)

Teaching activities are part of your PhD trajectory and may include, for example:

supervising workgroups or lab sessions, assisting in courses, or mentoring BSc and MSc students. While teaching will not be your main responsibility, it offers valuable experience that supports your development and prepares you for future academic or professional roles. Teaching activities will not exceed 20% of your total appointment, averaged over the course of your PhD.

Job requirements

I am looking for 1 talented, outstanding PhD researcher with an MSc degree (or close to completion) in Systems and Control, or Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or Applied Mathematics, or related field, with background and/or interest in Systems and Control, Optimization, Game Theory, and with good command of the English language (knowledge of Dutch is not required).

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) 

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. 

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration. 

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Mechanical Engineering 

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems. 

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work. 

Conditions of employment 

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met. 

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.  

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. 

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.  

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.  

Additional information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact prof.Sergio Grammatico (s.grammatico@tudelft.nl).

For more information about the application procedure, please contact our HR advisor, Giedo Kocken, recruitment-me@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 1 March 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of motivation and research interests (up to one page)
• Transcripts of all exams taken and obtained degrees (in English)
• Names and contact information of up to three references (e.g. project/thesis supervisors)
• Up to 3 research-oriented documents (e.g. thesis, conference/journal publication)

You can address your application to prof. Sergio Grammatico.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements. 

Please note:

• The call for applications will remain open until the ideal candidate is found. The starting date is flexible, ideally June 1, 2026.
• #EUfunded This is an EU funded project, named Data driven Game theoretic Control for Constrained Systems (ARGON). project number 101231127 within program HE / ERC
• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.