The group of Information and Computer Engineering in Automation (ICEA) solves the problems of industrial systems design (such as manufacturing, energy, logistics, smart buildings, cities and roads) by applying modern computer software, hardware and communication technologies. Main focus is on software technologies, architectures and languages, artificial intelligence methods, knowledge engineering, modelling, simulation and formal verification.
Requirements
ICEA group is looking for a Ph.D. candidate to work on a project related to application of distributed automation architectures in various industrial domains, such as manufacturing, smart cities, energy generation and distribution, etc. One example of such a project is balancing of energy generated by distributed and renewable energy resources with the classic electric grid.
We are looking for a creative open-minded person with computer-science or computer-engineering background, open to learn new application domains and apply latest computing technologies in these domains.
Usual ingredients of solutions being researched in our group include:
– Simulation of physical systems
– Distributed automation logic (e.g. agent-based)
– Software and systems engineering
– Intelligence (knowledge engineering, reasoning, artificial neural networks)
– Heuristics for complexity reduction (e.g. genetic or cognitive algorithms)
– Formal verification and validation of software and of entire systems
Essential is hands-on “can do” attitude and ability to develop software tool prototypes.
The tasks of this Ph.D. research project may include design of software architecture for a distributed and intelligent control system, application of the architecture for selected control and monitoring tasks, and evaluation of the performance of the system. Required methodologies include design and experimental evaluation of distributed control software. To get a better idea of possible research directions please study recent publications of professor Valeriy Vyatkin.
The concrete research topic will be specifically defined based on the background of the student and the mutual interests of the candidate and the research group after acceptance. The candidate will be closely supervised and interact with other members of the group and international collaborators.
How to apply
Applications including, CV, diploma, list of publications (if any), and other merits should be addressed to Aalto University School of Electrical Engineering, Group of Information and Computer Engineering in Automation and submitted online (in pdf-format) through recruitment system via “Apply for this job” link below, no later than on December 14, 2014. Applications arriving after the deadline will be considered until the position is filled.
Additional Information
For additional information please contact Professor Valeriy Vyatkin (email: valeriy.vyatkin@aalto.fi).
Useful web sites:
Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation: http://eea.aalto.fi/en/
School of Electrical Engineering: elec.aalto.fi
Aalto University: www.aalto.fi/en
Iformation for international staff: www.aalto.fi/en/for/international/
About Aalto
Aalto University is a new university with over a century of experience. Created from a high-profile merger between three leading universities in Finland – the Helsinki School of Economics, the Helsinki University of Technology and the University of Art and Design Helsinki – Aalto University opens up new possibilities for strong multi-disciplinary education and research. The university’s ambitious goal is to rank among the top universities in the world in its areas of specialization. At Aalto there are 20,000 students with around 75,000 alumni. We have a staff of 5000 including 350 professors.
Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation is a part of Aalto University School of Electrical Engineering. The department conducts academic research and education in the variety of fields related to Industrial Automation and Robotics, Industrial Electronics, Power Electronics, Power Systems, and Power Transmission. In addition to conventional science-university environment the department offers excellent infrastructures and facilities for experimental research and laboratory exercises on automation systems design, electrical machines, electric drives, power electronics, and on high-voltage field. Department is located at Otaniemi campus, Espoo, Finland.