Postdoc In Collective Decision-Making Algorithms for Autonomous Driving

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.

The mission of the Department of Electrical Engineering is to acquire, share and transfer knowledge and understanding in the whole field of Electrical Engineering through education, research and valorization. We work towards a ‘Smart Sustainable Society’, a ‘Connected World’, and a healthy humanity (‘Care & Cure’). Activities share an application-oriented character, a high degree of complexity and a large synergy between multiple facets of the field.

Research is carried out into the applications of electromagnetic phenomena in all forms of energy conversion, telecommunication and electrical signal processing. Existing and new electrical components and systems are analyzed, designed and built. The Electrical Engineering department takes its inspiration from contacts with high-tech industry in the direct surrounding region and beyond.

The department is innovative and has international ambitions and partnerships. The result is a challenging and inspiring setting in which socially relevant issues are addressed.

Short introduction

Are you experience in autonomous driving and want to develop hierarchical AI-driven frameworks that enhance safety and efficiency at both the individual vehicle (microscopic) and broader mobility system (macroscopic) levels. The research will push the boundaries of current technology by integrating AI techniques such as Model Predictive Control (MPC), Reinforcement Learning (RL), and sophisticated modeling approaches.

Job Description

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position focused on advancing collective decision-making algorithms within autonomous driving systems. his role involves developing hierarchical AI-driven frameworks that enhance safety and efficiency at both the individual vehicle (microscopic) and broader mobility system (macroscopic) levels. The research will push the boundaries of current technology by integrating advanced AI techniques such as Model Predictive Control (MPC), Reinforcement Learning (RL), and sophisticated modeling approaches.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop hierarchical frameworks that optimize traffic flow and system-wide mobility performance.
• Ensure human-centric, ethical, and socially responsible algorithmic behavior.
• Integrate hybrid intelligence (HI) principles and incorporate implicit and explicit human feedback to adapt algorithms dynamically to real-world user preferences.
• Collaborate closely with industrial partners and consortium members to align research outcomes with practical deployment requirements.
• Contribute to software development efforts, ensuring robust, scalable, and maintainable implementations.

Required Knowledge and Experience:

• Strong background in control theory, particularly Model Predictive Control (MPC) and its application to autonomous systems.
• Experience with Reinforcement Learning (RL) techniques, especially in safety-critical or real-time decision-making contexts.
• Expertise in modeling and simulation of autonomous vehicle behavior and traffic systems.
• Proven track record of working within industrial collaborations or research consortiums, demonstrating effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Software development proficiency, including experience with relevant programming languages and tools used in AI and control algorithm development.

Soft Skills:

• Ability to manage complex projects and deliver results within established timelines.
• Strong problem-solving aptitude and adaptability to evolving research challenges.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to facilitate collaboration across multidisciplinary teams and help supervise junior team members.

Job Requirements

• Motivated researcher, with a PhD in control, autonomy, or robotics research, or a comparable domain.
• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
• A team player who enjoys coaching PhD and Master's students and working in a dynamic, interdisciplinary team.
• A proven ability to manage complex projects to completion on schedule.
• Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English, good communication and leadership skills.

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 2 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 4,060 max. € 5,331).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager dr. Sofie Haesaert ([email protected]).

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services Flux ([email protected]).

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 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 three references.
• List of five self-selected ‘best publications’.

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.