PhD position: Intelligent Control for Networked Autonomous Systems

 PhD position is available at the NODE lab, University of Alberta on: Intelligent Control for Networked Autonomous Systems 

The Networked Optimization, Diagnosis & Estimation (NODE) Lab at the University of Alberta is looking for a highly-qualified and outstanding PhD researcher in control, robot learning, perception, and autonomous navigation for a large-scale interdisciplinary research program. In this PhD research position, learning and distributed controls will be developed for multi-agent systems cooperating/interacting with humans. In this regard, safe reinforcement learning (RL), and cognitive based control will be used for motion planning, and robust control of autonomous systems. Work Environment NODE Lab is directed by Dr. Ehsan Hashemi in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Canada (https://sites.google.com/ualberta.ca/networked-optimization diagnos/about-us). The NODE lab research focuses on cyber-physical systems and distributed sensing to improve reliability and safety in autonomous systems interacting with humans. 

Required Qualifications 

 Completion of Master of Science (or Engineering) degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Engineering Physics 

 Keen interest and/or experience (coursework, research, and/or industrial) in: RL, reachability analysis, hybrid systems, and cognitive neuroscience 

 Programming for embedded systems, ROS, and coding in Python/C++ 

 Proven ability to work independently 

 Effective written and verbal communication skills (proficiency in English and/or French). 

Preferred Assets

 Interest and experience in control theory, robot learning, and networked control systems. 

 Industry and/or mechatronic systems design experience. 

 Interest and experience in interdisciplinary and translational research in collaboration with industries focused on robotics, human perception, and assistive technologies 

Responsibilities 

 Conducting research in the abovementioned fields as a full-time PhD student 

 Conducting experiments and comprehensive theoretical/practical analysis on human-autonomy interaction, and mentoring undergraduate and Master’s students 

 Establishing and maintaining communication and coordination with industry research partners 1/2 and international research collaborators in an interdisciplinary environment 

 Writing manuscripts for 

i) publication and knowledge dissemination in peer-reviewed journals and international conferences, 

ii) research scholarship applications, and 

iii) technical reports with clear deliverables and methodologies for industry partners and government agencies 

 Contributing in activities related to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion both in the lab and institutional level Specialized Training and Skill Development Training of undergraduate and graduate research assistants is paramount. In addition to the program-related coursework (at UofA), the successful candidates will work closely with their supervisor to create a learning and development plan and attend professional such as research ethics and integrity, and project management. 

They will receive formal training in the following practical areas:

 i) Multimodal signal processing for robot perception;

 ii) Working with ROS and camera/LiDAR/radar sensors on autonomous test platforms;

 iii) Development and validation of a distributed navigation framework; 

iv) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion training, and

 v) Safety. 

The successful candidates will have the opportunity to participate in national/international conferences and closely work with collaborators at KTH, McGill, University of Michigan, and UPenn in this interdisciplinary project. 

Application Procedure 

Interested candidates should send the following documents in a complete application package (i.e., merged into one PDF files) by Jan. 30, 2026 and direct queries to Dr. Ehsan Hashemi (he/him) using the subject line “Application for PhD_NF26”:

 i) a cover letter, focusing on their related research experience, and how they can contribute to this interdisciplinary project;

 ii) their CV, highlighting their academic/professional achievements, related publications in peer reviewed journals/conferences, honours and awards, list of academic presentations, any research collaborations, their contributions to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, services to communities, and a list of three references; 

iii) their graduate transcripts; iv) and v) copies of three relevant publications, e.g., in control/estimation theory, human perception, and RL. 

Only those candidates who are selected for an interview will be contacted Deadline: Jan. 30, 2026 

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.