Funded PhD Positions in Optimization and Control

Multiple graduate student positions are available in the Algorithms Optimization and Control Lab (AOCL) at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada.

ABOUTTHELAB

The AOCL works broadly at the intersection of control, optimization, and computing. We apply control, optimization, game-theory and machine learning to solve problems in energy, manufacturing, robotics, and aerospace. Day-to-day work in the lab generally involves a lot of math, programming, and modelling.

We are hosted within the Department of Mechanical Engineering on UBCs Point Grey campus on the unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) people, surrounded by forest, ocean and mountains. Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the most diverse cities in Canada, and one of the most livable cities in the world. The lab offers a friendly and stimulating environment and the opportunity to become an expert in control, optimization, and computing while solving meaningful engineering problems.

PROJECTDESCRIPTIONS

Optimal control of 3D printers

3D printers are capable of producing intricate geometries and are widely used to produce high-value parts e.g., for biomedical or aerospace systems. Unfortunately, 3D printers have complex physics and can be unreliable; they often need to be extensively tuned for each new part. This project seeks to make 3D printers more reliable using optimization and closed-loop control.

Controlling Large-scale Smart Infrastructure Systems

Our society is underpinned by large-scale infrastructure systems (e.g., energy grids, supply chains, transportation networks, smart buildings) that are rapidly incorporating sensing, actuation, and communication technologies. This project seeks to build controllers that will make our key infrastructures smarter, more sustainable, and more resilient using tools from optimization and game theory.

Game-theoretic planning for multi-agent robotic systems

Many modern applications (e.g., autonomous driving) require robots to interact with other (possibly human) agents in unstructured environments. Doing so successfully requires the ability to reason about how their actions will influence the behaviour of others. This project seeks to endow autonomous robots with these capabilities using computational game theory.

QUALIFICATIONS 

A Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in engineering (or a related field)

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

An introductory undergraduate control course

No other specific qualifications beyond and a willingness to learn.

To know more about UBC eligibility and application instructions, you can see here .

QUESTIONS 

If you’re interested in pursuing graduate school in beautiful Vancouver and any of this seems interesting to you, please don’t hesitate to reach out Dominic Liao-McPherson (website ) at [email protected] . 

Who will be the main supervisor for this position? Dominic Liao-McPherson (Mechanical Engineering)

HOW TO APPLY

Submit a cover letter (noting relevant experience and your research interests), unofficial transcripts, the names of two referees, and a resume/CV to Dominic Liao-McPherson by email at [email protected] . 

Formally apply to the mechanical engineering department at UBC and mention the AOCL and/or Dr. Dominic Liao-McPherson in your statement of intent.

Salary Ranges

A minimum yearly stipend of $27,500 for PhD students.

Award holders (e.g., CGS-M, UBC internal fellowship) will receive a top up.

Key Dates

December 1st Formal application deadline for consideration for internal fellowships

February 15th Final application deadline for fall 2023 admission

We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, Black-identified persons, other racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

This posting is for the UBC Vancouver campus in British Columbia, Canada.

Please refer to reference number NC-56671 during correspondence about this position.

Please note that applicants will have to complete an online application to the University of British Columbia and gain admission as a graduate student to the university. Applicants should review the graduate program profile to learn about admission requirements, application deadlines, program duration, tuition, or to read student and alumni stories.

About UBC
The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world. Since 1915, UBC’s entrepreneurial spirit has embraced innovation and challenged the status quo. UBC encourages its students, staff and faculty to challenge convention, lead discovery and explore new ways of learning. At UBC, bold thinking is given a place to develop into ideas that can change the world.

Doctoral studies at UBC Vancouver
UBC is a public university with a comprehensive program offering – covering all major academic disciplines and degree levels, with both research- and course-based program options. More than 50,000 students attend UBC Vancouver. As a PhD student at UBC Vancouver you’ll be part of a diverse community of over 3,600 doctoral scholars at an institution that recognises and rewards the significant contributions of doctoral research. UBC is at the forefront of responding to and building on the extraordinary changes happening in our societies and our world, through reimagining approaches to research graduate education and exploring flexible methodologies for learners to develop needed expertise. UBC’s Public Scholars Initiative for example is a pioneering program designed to encourage and support doctoral students to reimagine the PhD, contribute to the public good, and with their doctoral work rise to the challenges that increasingly define our times.

At UBC, you will be supported with a range of professional development workshops and services, and we’ll partner with you to ensure you have a graduate game plan for academic and professional success.

You are encouraged to review the awards and scholarship database to determine funding opportunities for your doctoral degree. UBC Vancouver guarantees a minimum of CAD $22,000 of funding to eligible students for your first four years of PhD study with many programs offering higher funding packages. Funding highly varies by program and will be commensurate with qualifications, experience and awards secured. Most international students benefit from the International Tuition Award and PhD students usually qualify for the President’s Academic Excellence Initiative PhD Award .

About UBC’s Faculty of Applied Science
The Faculty of Applied Science comprises a unique constellation of disciplines – including the Schools of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, Community and Regional Planning and Nursing, as well as all engineering activities at both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. Our work and the professional disciplines we represent span the entire human-centred built environment and innovation at all scales – from nanoscale electronic devices that power communications to the design of entire cities.

There has never been a more urgent time for our professions – as planners, architects, nurses and engineers – to come together to build upon our existing strengths and ambitions to ensure a thriving society, to make real impact locally and globally.

With a community of over 300 full-time faculty members and more than 8,600 students across our undergraduate and graduate programs, we shape the leaders and professions that shape the world.

About Vancouver
Vancouver is a dynamic, cosmopolitan and progressive city, consistently ranked as one of the top cities to live in the world. Canada’s third largest city has it all: sea, parks, mountains, beaches, and four seasons per year, including beautiful summers and mild, wet winters with snow in the mountains. It’s the perfect backdrop to your academic research.