Post-doctoral position : « Control Algorithms for Cyber-Physical Systems Using Formal Methods »

Post-doctoral position at L2S, CentraleSupélec

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Control Algorithms for Cyber-Physical Systems Using Formal Methods

 

Supervisors:   Antoine Girard, Alessio Iovine, Sorin Olaru

Location:        Laboratoire des Signaux et Systèmes – L2S

CentraleSupélec – CNRS –  Univ. Paris-Saclay

Gif-sur-Yvette, France

Salary:            3200-3500 euro monthly, gross salary, according to experience
Length:             12 months, with possibility to extension

Keywords:       correct-by-design control, formal methods, model predictive control, power congestion    management

 

Context:

Cyber-physical systems (CPSs) [1] consist of physical systems augmented with computation and communication infrastructure making it possible to design highly dynamic systems able to perform efficiently under high uncertainty. CPSs are often deployed at large scale, which makes the design of such system a real challenge in modern engineering. Examples of large-scale CPS are modern power systems that integrate many heterogeneous components, that can be named cyber-physical power systems (CPPSs).

 

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team in developing advanced control algorithms for CPPSs, with a focus on achieving correct-by-design closed-loop feedback. The successful candidate will employ formal methods to ensure system reliability and safety, particularly in the context of power congestion management in transmission lines.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement control strategies, such as model predictive control, that ensure system correctness and performance.
• Apply formal methods—including signal temporal logic, contract theory, and/or platform-based design—to verify and validate control algorithms.
• Design controllers that are adaptable to various communication scenarios and physical system constraints within CPS.
• Collaborate on multi-zonal control approaches using receding horizon methodologies to distribute intelligence across transmission networks.
• Utilize specifications to ensure requirement satisfaction and effective responsibility distribution among grid components.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Control Systems, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Strong background in control theory and formal methods.
• Experience with model predictive control and its applications in CPS.
• Familiarity with power systems, particularly transmission networks, is a plus.
• Excellent programming skills for simulation and implementation of control algorithms.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• A cover letter detailing their research experience and interest in the position.

• Transcript of academic records.

• A curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting relevant qualifications and publications.
• Contact information for at least two professional references.

Please send your application materials with object [Postdoc CPS] to
Antoine Girard antoine.girard@l2s.centralesupelec.fr

Alessio Iovine alessio.iovine@centralesupelec.fr

Sorin Olaru sorin.olaru@centralesupelec.fr

The position is available immediately and applications will be accepted until it is filled. A National Security clearance is needed, and it can require approximately 2 months.

The postdoc will present the developments to both academic and industrial international meetings and conferences.

 

References:

[1] P. Derler, E. A. Lee, and A. Sangiovanni Vincentelli, “Modeling cyber–physical systems,” Proceedings of the IEEE, vol. 100, no. 1, pp. 13–28, 2012.

[2] A. Sangiovanni-Vincentelli, « Quo Vadis, SLD? Reasoning About the Trends and Challenges of System Level Design, » in Proceedings of the IEEE, vol. 95, no. 3, pp. 467-506, March 2007,

[3] N. Dkhili, S. Olaru, A. Iovine, G. Giraud, J. Maeght, P. Panciatici, M. Ruiz, « Data-based predictive control for power congestion management in sub-transmission grids under uncertainty »,  in IEEE Transactions on Control Systems Technology, vol. 31, no. 5, pp. 2146-2158, Sept. 2023.

[4] Matthias Sulzer, Michael Wetter, Robin Mutschler, Alberto Sangiovanni-Vincentelli, “Platform-based design for energy systems”, Applied Energy, Volume 352, 2023, 121955, ISSN 0306-2619.