Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to conduct research in fundamental robust feedback control theory via input-output methods under the supervision of Prof. Alexander Lanzon, Chair in Control Engineering at the University of Manchester and Head of Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. This PDRA post will deliver the objectives of a research grant awarded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) entitled “Input-restricted robust feedback control of nonlinear dynamical systems”.
The research involves developing fundamental robust feedback control theory for nonlinear dynamical systems using input-output operator theory and graph separation theory. Excellent knowledge of input-output dissipativity theory, input-output passivity theory, IQC theory, graph separation theory, and/or operator theory (e.g. manipulation of norms and inner-products) will be a strong asset. The recruited PDRA will have a solid understanding of feedback stability analysis and control theory using input-output approaches with strong functional analysis abilities and/or mathematical systems theory skills. You will also have demonstrable potential for performing leading-edge control theory research at an international level.
The input-output approach in control theory describes (linear and nonlinear) dynamical systems as operators mapping an input to an output. Feedback stability in this input-output framework means that endogenous signals around the feedback loop are well-behaved for all exogenous inputs – in an input space – injected into the feedback loop. Influential input-output feedback stability results which can be applied to nonlinear systems to guarantee robust feedback stability include the classical small-gain, input-output passivity, input-output dissipativity, and absolute stability criteria, as well as more modern input-output stability approaches such as the Integral Quadratic Constraint framework and dynamic dissipativity. In this project, you will create fundamental analysis and control theory for input-restricted feedback stability.
You will be expected to publish outstanding research in internationally leading journals such as IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control and Automatica. This is an ideal opportunity if you are interested in building outstanding research credentials which can help you secure a future academic career.
The full advert, a "Further Particulars" document with Selection Criteria which must be addressed, and the weblink to apply for this job can be found here:
https://www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/Job/JobDetail?isPreview=Yes&jobid=32883&advert=external
Closing date: 30 September 2025
Enquiries to: Professor Alexander Lanzon, Alexander.Lanzon@manchester.ac.uk
