PhD Scholarships in Computer Science and Systems Engineering at the IMT School (Italy)

Applications are now being accepted for the 2018/19 PhD Programs at the IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca (www.imtlucca.it), one of the six Schools of Excellence in Italy and one of the highest rated graduate schools in Europe according to the most recent U-Multirank survey. Highly motivated candidates from all disciplines are invited to apply for one of the 36 fully-funded scholarships within two doctoral Programs that integrate scientific competences of economics, engineering, computer science, neuroscience and behavioral psychology, physics, applied mathematics, statistics, history and sciences of cultural heritage.

One of the four field-specific Tracks is Computer Science and Systems Engineering, which is under the “Systems Science” PhD Program. This Track provides the doctoral student with a solid interdisciplinary background to analyze cyber-physical systems and provide solutions to a huge variety of complex engineering problems. The program of studies is based on a set of common courses, covering the fundamentals of numerical linear algebra and numerical methods for differential equations, computer programming, dynamical systems and control, numerical optimization, stochastic processes, and machine learning. These basic courses are followed by a number of advanced courses and research seminars related to the different areas of specialization for the PhD work.

Research in computer science deals with the development of languages, models, algorithms, and verification methods for modern distributed systems. We carry out research on cutting-edge topics that span several areas such as automated verification, cloud computing, cyber-security, concurrency theory, dynamical systems, performance evaluation and stochastic modeling, programming languages, self-adaptive systems, and software engineering.

Research in control systems is oriented towards identification- and optimization-based control of dynamical systems, with an emphasis on real-time embedded optimization algorithms for the control of stochastic, distributed, and large-scale dynamical systems, and their application in industrial problems arising from the automotive, aerospace, and smart-grid domains.

Research in computational mechanics is concerned with the development of innovative computational methods to study advanced problems of solid mechanics, with special focus on fracture mechanics, contact mechanics, computational materials science, and computational chemistry. A particular attention is given to cutting-edge problems involving multiple fields and length scales, of high interest in both the academic and industrial sectors for the design of durable materials and components.

During their doctoral studies, students are encouraged to carry out their research with the School’s Research Units.

Courses are led by world-renowned researchers and provide students with all the theoretical skills and advanced tools required for rigorously tackling a multitude of analysis, design and management problems within the broad framework of systems analysis in economic, social, scientific, technological and cultural domains. Specialized faculty and staff create a network that provides key guidance and support throughout the PhD Program. Working closely with faculty, both in the classroom and in the development of research, students reach the highest levels of scholarly achievement. IMT School PhD graduates will be able to use the skills they acquired during their studies to recognize and resolve complex problems, to choose the most appropriate method or instrument to utilize when approaching these problems, even in disciplines outside of their primary field of research.

All students are based in the recently restored San Francesco complex, a fully integrated Campus in the historical center of the beautiful Tuscan city of Lucca. The Campus includes renewed residential facilities, an on-site canteen, study and living rooms, a state-of-the-art library and outdoor recreational spaces, which foster a unique cultural, professional and social environment for our doctoral program. Eligible students, in addition to free room and board, will also receive a research scholarship which amounts to approximately €15,300 /year. Additional funding for further research stages, including scholarships to cover an eventual fourth year to complete the PhD thesis, can be assigned on a competitive basis.

The PhD program at the IMT School attracts students from around the world, providing a truly international environment. English is the official language of the School. Moreover, all students will have the opportunity to spend periods abroad at research institutes, laboratories or universities, both within the Erasmus+ framework and through ad hoc mobility agreements.

Most IMT School PhD Graduates have reached prominent roles in academics, governmental institutions, public and private companies or professions across the globe.

To find out more about the School, the admission requirements and how to apply, please see phd.imtlucca.it.

Deadline for applications – August 3rd 2018, 12 pm CEST
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