Postdoctoral Research Associate in Feedback Control Theory - Mathematical Systems Theory

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Feedback Control Theory / Mathematical Systems Theory. This role offers an exciting opportunity to conduct fundamental, high‑impact research in robust feedback control theory within the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, School of Engineering, at the University of Manchester.

You will work under the direction of Professor Alexander Lanzon, Chair in Control Engineering, contributing to the project “Input‑restricted robust feedback control theory for nonlinear dynamical systems”. The role sits within a dynamic, inclusive and internationally recognised research environment with a strong tradition of excellence in control systems research.

This is a full‑time, fixed‑term post for 3 years, starting as soon as possible after interview, based on the University’s Oxford Road campus.

You will be responsible for:

• Conducting leading‑edge theoretical research in feedback control and mathematical systems theory
• Developing new robustness and stability analysis results for nonlinear dynamical systems with norm‑restricted exogenous signals
• Publishing high‑quality research outputs in internationally leading journals such as IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control and Automatica
• Collaborating closely with Professor Lanzon and members of the Control Systems research group
• Disseminating research through conferences, seminars, outreach activities and scholarly publications

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About you

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential criteria :

• A PhD (or equivalent) in feedback control theory, mathematical systems theory or a closely related area
• Strong theoretical grounding in mathematical systems theory and feedback control
• Knowledge of topics such as passivity, dissipativity, IQC theory, absolute stability or robustness analysis
• A strong publication record in leading international journals relevant to control theory
• Ability to work independently, self‑motivate and develop new research ideas to completion

Desirable Criteria :

• Experience with functional analysis concepts (e.g. Hilbert spaces, L2 and L2‑induced norms)
• Experience working with internationally recognised researchers or research groups
• Experience contributing to research funding proposals

We value intellectual curiosity, rigour and collaborative working as much as formal qualifications.

Our benefits include:

• Generous employer pension contribution
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Access to world‑class engineering facilities, including the new £500m Engineering Building

For more information, please see: www.manchester.ac.uk/connect/jobs/benefits-working-here.
You can also find information on Flexible and Hybrid working here: www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/people/current-staff/flexible-and-hybrid-working.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy: www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/news/display/?id=32905.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews
Name: Professor Alexander Lanzon
Email Address: Alexander.Lanzon@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries and administrative support: recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical and job portal support: jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

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