PhD Studentship in Control and Machine Learning Algorithms for Autonomous Vehicles

Applications are invited for a research studentship in the field of control, leading to the award of a PhD degree. The studentship is fully funded by the Department of Mechanical Engineering, covering tuition fees and providing a stipend at the UKRI rate. It is available to UK (home) students only.

Autonomous driving technology is developing rapidly, and ensuring that next-generation systems operate reliably remains a key challenge, requiring new systematic approaches. Modern autonomous driving systems often rely on machine learning to determine high-level driving decisions from camera images, while separate control algorithms execute these decisions through steering and braking. However, the interaction between these components remains a key challenge. This project aims to develop new methods interfacing data-driven decision-making and model-based control modules for autonomous vehicles.

The PhD student will develop new algorithms for control of autonomous vehicles, with a focus on the interface between machine learning-based decision-making and control. This will involve designing and analysing novel algorithms, complemented by theoretical analysis and realistic simulations in open-source environments. The student will gain hands-on experience in algorithm design, simulation, and the integration of machine learning and control methods.

You will be an enthusiastic and self-motivated person who meets the academic requirements for enrolment for the PhD degree at Imperial College London. You will have a 1st class honours degree in mechanical engineering, computing, or a related subject. You take a rigorous approach to research and are motivated to tackle challenging problems.

Strong expertise in one of the following is required:

• Machine learning, especially vision-based
• Control systems, especially predictive control
• Autonomous driving

Good programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB) are required. An interest in autonomous vehicles is essential. Good team-working and communication skills are important.

This PhD will be conducted within the Autonomous Systems group in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College London (https://www.imperial.ac.uk/autonomous-systems).

For information on how to apply, go to:

http://www.imperial.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/study/phd/how-to-apply/

Interested applicants should send an up-to-date curriculum vitae, a brief motivation letter related to this PhD, and contact details of one referee to Dr Johannes Kohler j.kohler@imperial.ac.uk. Suitable candidates will be required to complete an electronic application form at Imperial College London in order for their qualifications to be addressed by College Registry.

Applications received by 15 June 2026 will receive full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The ideal start date is between September 2026 and February 2027 and can be discussed.

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