PhD Position: Geometric optimal control for generative models of physical systems – AI4I

1 settimana fa


Sant'Ambrogio di Torino, Italia Karlstad University A tempo pieno

PhD Position: Geometric optimal control for generative models of physical systems – AI4I Deadline: December 17th 2025 at 12 (noon – CET) Hosting Institution: AI4I – The Italian Institute of Artificial Intelligence Department: PHI Lab Funding Scheme: This doctorate grant is fully funded by The Italian institute of Artificial Intelligence (AI4I) in collaboration with Università degli Studi di Genova Position Description The Italian Institute of Artificial Intelligence (AI4I), in collaboration with Università degli Studi di Genova, invites applications for a PhD position in Geometric optimal control as part of the PhD Programme in Autonomous Systems. The interpretation of reinforcement learning (RL) as an approximated optimal control problem suggests that the differential geometry can offer a unifying framework for analyzing and formulating policy learning paths as geodesics flows on specific Riemannian manifolds. This geometric perspective opens the following research objectives to be explored during the PhD: (1) RL as latent geodesic flows, where stochastic Riemannian metrics estimated from learned generative models define and/or bias the policy optimization path; (2) Leverage the Riemannian geometry of the Wasserstein space for more stable and efficient policy optimization; and (3) Exploit contact Hamiltonian dynamics and its link to optimal control geodesics into a geometric framework to analyze and design novel and interpretable RL algorithms. The thesis will explore applications of the developed methods in the control of physical systems such as robots or quadrotors, as well as the fine‑tuning of foundational models, among others. Requirements Must have skills:Excellent Master’s degree in computer science, physics, mathematics, electrical or mechatronics engineering, or a related field Strong background in machine learning and robotics Good programming skills in Python Fluent in spoken and written English A team player, but also able to work autonomously Experience with scientific writingGood to have skills:Background on (applied) differential geometry Publication of peer‑reviewed research papersReferencesA. Testa et al. “Geometric Contact Flows: Contactomorphisms for Dynamics and Control”, ICML, 2025. Y. Chen et al. “Optimal Transport in Systems and Control”, Annual Review of Control, Robotics and Autonomous Systems, 2021.Application DocumentsOne‑page cover letter including a short (two‑paragraph) research proposal related to the PhD topic and aligned with your professional interests. Bachelor’s and Master’s diplomas with transcripts and grades.Main Research Site AI4I – The Italian Institute of Artificial IntelligenceCorso Castelfidardo 22, 10129 Torino, Italy What We OfferAccess to high‑performance computing resources and advanced research infrastructure. Opportunities for international collaboration and contributions to high‑impact publications. A dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment. Financial support for attending international conferences and Winter/Summer schools.Start Date 1st March 2026 How to Apply Applications for this position are managed by Università degli Studi di Genova. Please apply via the university’s official PhD admissions portal for the AI4I – The Italian Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence. The portal will guide you through the submission of all required documents and your research proposal. #J-18808-Ljbffr



  • sant'ambrogio di torino, Italia Karlstad University A tempo pieno

    PhD Position: Geometric optimal control for generative models of physical systems – AI4IDeadline: December 17th 2025 at 12 (noon – CET)Hosting Institution: AI4I – The Italian Institute of Artificial IntelligenceDepartment: PHI LabFunding Scheme: This doctorate grant is fully funded by The Italian institute of Artificial Intelligence (AI4I) in...


  • Torino, Italia Karlstad University A tempo pieno

    PhD Position: Geometric optimal control for generative models of physical systems – AI4I Deadline: December 17th 2025 at 12 (noon – CET) Hosting Institution: AI4I – The Italian Institute of Artificial Intelligence Department: PHI Lab Funding Scheme: This doctorate grant is fully funded by The Italian institute of Artificial Intelligence (AI4I) in...


  • Torino, Italia Karlstad University A tempo pieno

    PhD Position: Geometric optimal control for generative models of physical systems – AI4IDeadline: December 17th **** at 12 (noon – CET)Hosting Institution: AI4I – The Italian Institute of Artificial IntelligenceDepartment: PHI LabFunding Scheme: This doctorate grant is fully funded by The Italian institute of Artificial Intelligence (AI4I) in...


  • Torino, Italia Karlstad University A tempo pieno

    PhD Position: Geometric optimal control for generative models of physical systems – AI4IDeadline:December 17th **** at 12 (noon – CET)Hosting Institution:AI4I – The Italian Institute of Artificial IntelligenceDepartment:PHI LabFunding Scheme:This doctorate grant is fully funded by The Italian institute of Artificial Intelligence (AI4I) in collaboration...


  • Torino, Italia Karlstad University A tempo pieno

    A leading research institute in Italy seeks a PhD candidate for a position in Geometric Optimal Control for generative models of physical systems.The role involves research on reinforcement learning and applications in robotics.Candidates must hold a Master's degree in a relevant field and possess strong skills in machine learning and robotics.This fully...


  • Sant'Ambrogio di Torino, Italia Karlstad University A tempo pieno

    PhD Position: Safe Generative Models for Control via Differential Geometry and Control Theory – AI4I DeadlineDecember 17th 2025 at 12 (noon – CET) Hosting InstitutionAI4I – The Italian Institute of Artificial Intelligence DepartmentPHI Lab Funding SchemeThis doctorate grant is fully funded by The Italian institute of Artificial Intelligence (AI4I) in...


  • torino, Italia Karlstad University A tempo pieno

    PhD Position: Safe Generative Models for Control via Differential Geometry and Control Theory – AI4I Deadline December 17th 2025 at 12 (noon – CET) Hosting Institution AI4I – The Italian Institute of Artificial Intelligence Department PHI Lab Funding Scheme This doctorate grant is fully funded by The Italian institute of Artificial Intelligence (AI4I)...


  • sant'ambrogio di torino, Italia Karlstad University A tempo pieno

    PhD Position: Safe Generative Models for Control via Differential Geometry and Control Theory – AI4IDeadlineDecember 17th 2025 at 12 (noon – CET)Hosting InstitutionAI4I – The Italian Institute of Artificial IntelligenceDepartmentPHI LabFunding SchemeThis doctorate grant is fully funded by The Italian institute of Artificial Intelligence (AI4I) in...


  • sant'ambrogio di torino, Italia Karlstad University A tempo pieno

    PhD Position: Safe Generative Models for Control via Differential Geometry and Control Theory – AI4IDeadlineDecember 17th 2025 at 12 (noon – CET)Hosting InstitutionAI4I – The Italian Institute of Artificial IntelligenceDepartmentPHI LabFunding SchemeThis doctorate grant is fully funded by The Italian institute of Artificial Intelligence (AI4I) in...


  • Torino, Italia Educazione, Formazione E Pedagogia A tempo pieno

    PhD Position: Safe Generative Models for Control via Differential Geometry and Control Theory – AI4IDeadlineDecember 17th **** at 12 (noon – CET)Hosting InstitutionAI4I – The Italian Institute of Artificial IntelligenceDepartmentPHI LabFunding SchemeThis doctorate grant is fully funded by The Italian institute of Artificial Intelligence (AI4I) in...