Dear Colleagues,
The Control and Learning for Autonomous Robots (CLeAR) research group within the Robotics Research Centre (RRC) hosted by the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore is offering two fully-funded PhD positions supported by a competitive research scholarship. These positions are for a duration of four years and focus on advanced topics in optimal control (including Model Predictive Control, data-driven Model Predictive Control, the design of safe and reliable optimal controllers) and optimal estimation (Moving Horizon Estimation, data-driven Moving Horizon Estimation, Neural Moving Horizon Estimation).
The goal of CLeAR research group is to develop control and learning algorithms, and design novel autonomous robots that can be implemented easily in real-world systems and operated safely and effectively in real-world scenarios.
Essential Qualifications and Skills:
- A MS degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Maths, Physics, or any related field
- Strong background in control theory, and/or optimisation-based algorithms
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English (TOEFL/IELTS required)
- Proficiency in programming languages in Python and/or C/C++.
- A curious and ambitious mindset for research
- A strong work ethic, effective time management skills, and a capability to work independently and collaboratively
- GRE is required
Additional Skills (Highly Desirable):
- Demonstration of experience in academic writing (conference or journal publications)
- Programming experience with physical robot platforms (e.g., ROS)
- Hands-on experience in autonomous robots,
- Proficiency in programming on Linux and using GitHub
What We Offer:
- A fully funded PhD position supported by a competitive research scholarship at one of the world's top 10 universities
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources
- A collaborative and supportive research environment
- Opportunities to publish in top-tier journals and present at leading international conferences
Start Date: January 2026
How to Apply: https://sites.google.com/view/clearlab/open-positions
We would appreciate it if you could share this opportunity with potential candidates.
Best Regards,
Erkan Kayacan
Assistant Professor
Director of CLeAR research group
School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
A 50 Nanyang Avenue, N3-02b-54, Singapore 639798
T +65 8956 5408
E erkan.kayacan@ntu.edu.sg
