Two PhD positions are available in a collaborative research project between the departments of Chemical and Biological engineering, Electrical and Computer engineering and Mathematics at the University of British Columbia. This project is jointly sponsored by Honeywell research centre in Vancouver, Canada and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. Project Description: The pulp and paper industry in Canada contributes billions of dollars to the economy each year and directly employs tens of thousands of people. This research project focusses on important challenges in model identification & maintenance and adaptive cross directional control of paper machines. The cross directional dynamics of paper machines are characterized by a large dimensional model with a special structure. The dynamics of this model, however, often change due to grade changes, paper wandering and other reasons. The control variable measurements are collected using a scanner that traverses a zig-zag path. This project will explore novel methods to scan and process data, maintain model fidelity and design an adaptive model predictive controller. Requirements: We are looking for highly motivated students with stellar academic record and research experience in process control. In particular, students with experience in Model Predictive Control and System Identification/Signal Processing are encouraged to apply. Students must have strong mathematical, analytical and communication skills. Students in Electrical/Mechanical/Chemical engineering/Mathematics or other related disciplines will be considered. A highly competitive compensation package will be offered. Interested students are requested to submit a curriculum vitae and a list of three references to [log in to unmask] We thank all the applicants, however, only those that have been selected for interview will be contacted. ********************************************************************************************* Bhushan Gopaluni Associate Professor Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z3 Phone: 604 827 5668 Fax: 604 822 6003 **********************************************************************************************