PhD Studentship: Learning for Control: Enabling Efficient Networked Autonomous Systems

Found in: beBee S GB - 2 weeks ago


Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

Project title: Learning for Control: Enabling Efficient Networked Autonomous Systems  

Supervisory Team: Konstantinos Gatsis 

Project description:

There is an ongoing transformation in engineering autonomous systems that aim to achieve complex objectives with limited human intervention in applications such as robotics, self-driving cars, and industrial systems. While the design of autonomous systems has typically relied on pre-defined models, the desire to operate in complex, unknown, or varying conditions implies that models of the system and the operating environment may not be always available. As a result, machine learning and data-driven approaches are on the rise and have the potential for impact in autonomous systems. However, embedding machine learning in autonomous systems is facing significant challenges in terms of safety, robustness, and resource efficiency. 

In this project, we focus on the problem of designing control policies for autonomous systems. We aim to develop new methodologies that combine control, optimization, and machine learning tools. The objectives are to a) consider resource constraints: limited computing to run complex machine learning models for example neural networks, or limited communication resources in networked autonomous systems for example in a network of robots, b) analyze the safety and robustness of the learned policies to disturbances or malicious disruptions, c) demonstrate the benefits of the design methodologies in numerical simulations. Experimental evaluation may also be considered. 

You will have a background in control systems, mathematical optimization, and machine learning, as well as excellent numerical analysis and programming skills. 

You will gain training in advanced mathematical and numerical skills. We will support the advancement of your career and provide opportunities for professional networking and external collaborations. 

You will be based in the Cyber Physical Systems group with academics and researchers in the broad areas of computer engineering, embedded systems, control systems, and formal methods. The group is in the School of Electronics and Computer Science, which is highly ranked in the UK and worldwide in electrical engineering. 

Related references by the supervisor 

Neural-network-based state estimators 

Communication-efficient Reinforcement Learning

Learning for Networked Control Systems 

Before you apply 

Enquiries regarding this project can be sent to Dr Konstantinos Gatsis at k.gatsis@soton.ac.uk  

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent). 

Closing date: 31 August 2024.  Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified. 

Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships. For more information please visit PhD Scholarships | Doctoral College | University of Southampton  Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered. 

How To Apply

You should submit your completed online application form by clicking the ‘Apply’ button above. Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Elect & Elect Eng (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Konstantinos Gatsis 

Applications should include:

  • Research Proposal
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Two reference letters
  • Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date 

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk 



  • Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    Project title: Learning for Control: Enabling Efficient Networked Autonomous Systems Supervisory Team: Konstantinos Gatsis Project description:There is an ongoing transformation in engineering autonomous systems that aim to achieve complex objectives with limited human intervention in applications such as robotics, self-driving cars, and industrial systems....


  • Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    Project title: PhD Studentship in Nanophotonics and Metamaterials: Development of Switchable and Programmable Metasurfaces using Novel Materials Supervisory Team: Prof. Otto Muskens; Dr Ioannis ZeimpekisProject description:Metaoptics, the application of metasurface concepts in optical systems, is a rapidly growing field that has the potential to...


  • Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    Project title: PhD Studentship in Nanophotonics and Metamaterials: Development of Switchable and Programmable Metasurfaces using Novel Materials   Supervisory Team: Prof. Otto Muskens; Dr Ioannis Zeimpekis Project description: Metaoptics, the application of metasurface concepts in optical systems, is a rapidly growing field that has the potential to...


  • Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    Supervisory Team: Dr Christine Evers Project Description: Are you keen on conducting research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, deep learning and robot perception? We are recruiting a fully-funded (UK fees) PhD student who will work amongst a team of researchers on an exciting, EPSRC-funded research programme on "Active Audition for Robots...


  • Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    Supervisory Team: Dr Christine Evers  Project Description:  Are you keen on conducting research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, deep learning and robot perception? We are recruiting a fully-funded (UK fees) PhD student who will work amongst a team of researchers on an exciting, EPSRC-funded research programme on “Active Audition for...

  • PhD Studentship

    Found in: beBee jobs GB - 3 weeks ago


    Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    Supervisory Team: Dr N.C. Townsend, Prof D.A. Hudson and Dr J.A. Bowker (industrial)Project descriptionWave energy can be used to improve the performance of ships and boats. By exploiting hydrodynamically the available wave energy, the motions, emissions, and powering requirements of ships operating in adverse weather conditions can be significantly...

  • PhD Studentship

    Found in: beBee jobs GB - 3 weeks ago


    Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    Supervisory Team: Benjamin CameronProject descriptionThis PhD is focussed on a new theoretical/computational method to measure material properties in places where they are really difficult to measure: e.g. in a shock wave, in a shear band, or at a crack tip. These are all of critical importance in many engineering problems such as car crashes, manufacturing...


  • Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    PhD Supervisor: Joseph BanksSupervisory Team: Dr Joseph Banks, Dr Dominic Taunton, Prof Stephen TurnockProject descriptionThe sports of Swimming and Rowing presents the engineer with a complex multi-physics challenge where marginal performance gains can make the difference between success and failure. The Performance Sports Engineering laboratory has worked...


  • Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    PhD Supervisor: Joseph Banks Supervisory Team: Dr Joseph Banks, Dr Dominic Taunton, Prof Stephen Turnock Project description The sports of Swimming and Rowing presents the engineer with a complex multi-physics challenge where marginal performance gains can make the difference between success and failure. The Performance Sports Engineering laboratory has...

  • PhD Studentship: Disrupting Oral Biofilm Formation

    Found in: beBee jobs GB - 3 weeks ago


    Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    Supervisory Team: Dr Seung Lee (School of Chemistry), Prof. Jeremy Webb (School of Biological Sciences and National Biofilms Innovation Centre), Prof. Paul Stoodley (University of Southampton), Dr Rob Howlin (Haleon, industry), Dr David Bradshaw and Dr Ricarda Hawkins (Haleon, industry) Project Description:A fully-funded 4 year National Biofilms Innovation...


  • Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    PhD Supervisor: Dr Seung Lee Supervisory Team: Dr Seung Lee (School of Chemistry), Prof. Jeremy Webb (School of Biological Sciences and national Biofilms Innovation Centre), Prof. Paul Stoodley (University of Southampton and Ohio State University)Project description:A fully-funded 4 year PhD studentship (Institute for Life Sciences studentship) for research...


  • Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    PhD Supervisor: Dr Seung Lee   Supervisory Team: Dr Seung Lee (School of Chemistry), Prof. Jeremy Webb (School of Biological Sciences and national Biofilms Innovation Centre), Prof. Paul Stoodley (University of Southampton and Ohio State University) Project description: A fully-funded 4 year PhD studentship (Institute for Life Sciences studentship) for...

  • PhD Studentship

    Found in: beBee jobs GB - 3 weeks ago


    Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    Supervisory Team: Dr N.C. Townsend, Prof D.A. Hudson and Dr J.A. Bowker (industrial)Project descriptionShip model testing is expensive and time consuming. Can we derive hydrodynamic seakeeping and manoeuvring characteristics with focused datasets, eliminating time consuming single variable investigations?In this PhD program you will develop and test novel...

  • PhD Studentship: Micro-AUVs

    Found in: beBee S GB - 3 weeks ago


    Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    Supervisory Team: Dr Adrian Nightingale, Dr Amber Annett, Dr Blair Thornton, Dr Rand Ismaeel  Project description Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are becoming increasingly widespread in ocean science as sensor platforms that can measure the oceans with minimal human input and maximum efficiency (and hence reduced carbon footprint). Furthermore, they...

  • PhD Studentship: Quantum Sensor Network

    Found in: beBee jobs GB - 3 weeks ago


    Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    Supervisory Team: Dr Bruce Ou, Dr Alberto Politi, Prof Jize Yan Project description:The University of Southampton is expanding its PhD research in the area of Quantum Technology Engineering. In addition to the research project outlined below you will receive substantial training in scientific, technical, and commercial skills. Quantum information technology...

  • PhD Studentship: Quantum Nanomaterials Revolution

    Found in: beBee jobs GB - 3 weeks ago


    Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    PhD Supervisor: Dr Nema AbdelazimSupervisory Team: Dr Nema AbdelazimProject description: The University of Southampton is expanding its PhD research in the area of Quantum Technology Engineering. In addition to the research project outlined below you will receive substantial training in scientific, technical, and commercial skills.We are offering an exciting...

  • PhD Studentship: Quantum Nanomaterials Revolution

    Found in: beBee S GB - 3 weeks ago


    Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    PhD Supervisor: Dr Nema Abdelazim Supervisory Team: Dr Nema Abdelazim Project description: The University of Southampton is expanding its PhD research in the area of Quantum Technology Engineering. In addition to the research project outlined below you will receive substantial training in scientific, technical, and commercial skills. We are offering an...

  • PhD Studentship

    Found in: beBee jobs GB - 3 weeks ago


    Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    Supervisory Team: Ioannis ZeimpekisProject description:Revolutionising the semiconductor industry with next generation 2D materials and devices.Moore's Law is currently being challenged with Nvidia CEO recently claiming it is over. The scaling of transistors cannot continue due to physical limitations of silicon posing a threat to the sustainable evolution...

  • PhD Studentship: Quantum Sensor Network

    Found in: beBee S GB - 2 weeks ago


    Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    Supervisory Team: Dr Bruce Ou, Dr Alberto Politi, Prof Jize Yan  Project description: The University of Southampton is expanding its PhD research in the area of Quantum Technology Engineering. In addition to the research project outlined below you will receive substantial training in scientific, technical, and commercial skills.  Quantum information...

  • PhD Studentship

    Found in: beBee jobs GB - 3 weeks ago


    Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    Supervisory team: Neil SandhamProject descriptionYou will join a group of PhD students and post-doctoral researchers using high performance computing to advance understanding of high speed aerodynamics. Over the past decade we have developed efficient open-source software that enables us to run large numerical simulations with billions grid points on mixed...