PhD in Optimization & Control Ohio State University

USA – PhD in Optimization & Control at The Ohio State University

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University:
The Ohio State University

Country:
United States

Deadline:

Fields:
Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Control Theory, Energy Systems

Are you eager to contribute to the next generation of sustainable energy and mobility systems through advanced optimization and control methodologies? If your academic ambitions align with solving real‑world challenges in large‑scale systems, this PhD opportunity at The Ohio State University could be the ideal step forward in your career.

The world is rapidly transitioning towards more sustainable energy sources and smarter mobility solutions. However, the complexity of managing and optimizing such large‑scale systems requires innovative research in control theory and optimization. This PhD position offers the chance to be at the forefront of this transition, working with leading experts and utilizing state‑of‑the‑art resources.

The Ohio State University (OSU), located in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and most respected public research universities in the United States. Renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and innovation, OSU boasts a vibrant research culture and a diverse, interdisciplinary academic environment. The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, home to the Control and Optimization for Sustainable Technologies (COST) Lab, is recognized nationally and internationally for its research contributions and industry partnerships.

The university’s strong emphasis on collaboration, cutting‑edge facilities, and support for graduate students makes it an outstanding place to pursue doctoral studies.

The primary research focus of this PhD opportunity is the optimization and control of large‑scale energy and mobility systems. As the world seeks to reduce carbon emissions and enhance the efficiency of transportation and energy networks, the need for sophisticated control strategies becomes ever more critical. This research will explore distributed and hierarchical control of nonlinear systems, addressing challenges in scalability, robustness, and real‑time performance.

The outcomes of this work have far‑reaching implications for the deployment of renewable energy, the integration of autonomous vehicles, and the overall sustainability of modern infrastructure.

The PhD Position is based in the Control and Optimization for Sustainable Technologies (COST) Lab, an interdisciplinary research group within the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering  Lab is led by Dr. Stephanie Stockar, an expert in the field of Control and Optimization for Sustainable Technologies. The research will focus on:

• Optimization and control of large‑scale energy and mobility systems.
• Distributed and hierarchical control of nonlinear systems.

The COST Lab offers a collaborative environment that brings together researchers from various engineering disciplines, fostering innovation and the exchange of ideas. Students in the lab benefit from access to advanced computational resources, opportunities to collaborate with industry partners, and participation in high‑impact research projects.

• A BS or MS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Experience in control theory, optimization, or PDE‑based control.
• Proficiency in MATLAB or Python for modeling and simulation.
• Prior publication experience is considered a plus.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong analytical skills, a commitment to interdisciplinary research, and a desire to tackle complex, real‑world problems. A proactive mindset and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are essential for success in this role.

Interested candidates should prepare the following application materials:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• One‑paragraph motivation statement.

Please refer to the official advertisement for application details.

• Priority consideration:
  November 15, 2025.
• Official OSU MAE Final date to receive applications:
  December 1, 2025.

This PhD position at The Ohio State University offers an exceptional opportunity to engage in cutting‑edge research at the intersection of energy, mobility, and advanced control systems. If you are motivated to make a meaningful impact in the field of sustainable technologies, you are encouraged to apply for this position and join a vibrant community of scholars and innovators. For more information about the COST Lab, please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..