Optimization in routing and scheduling for critical infrastructure protection

Interested in doing fundamental research with applications in critical infrastructure security? Apply for a PhD at the department of Operations Analytics, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

Optimization in routing and scheduling for critical infrastructure protection

Your function

Critical infrastructures are vital to society and the economy, including bridges, tunnels, and systems for energy and drinking water distribution. Disruptions can cause severe physical, social, and economic damage. In recent decades, offshore infrastructure—such as wind farms, subsea cables, and oil pipelines—has expanded. Recent geopolitical tensions and incidents at sea highlight the need to improve surveillance and protection, and to determine the optimal mix of manned and unmanned platforms in maritime military operations.

The project is focussed on the theoretical analysis of algorithms with applications as described above. Emphasis will be placed on computational complexity (e.g. NP-hardness), approximation algorithms (e.g. worst case performance analysis). Closely related topics are the traveling salesman and postman problem, periodic latency problems, and pinwheel scheduling.

There will also be opportunities to test the algorithms on real-life instances in order to obtain insights in the optimal deployment of manned and unmanned systems. Since we regard these problems from a military point of view, it is also natural to incorporate an adversary using the essentials of game theory.

Your duties

This is a project of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) and the Netherlands Defence Academy (NLDA) in Den Helder, and financed by the Ministry of Defence. There will be a supervisor from each of these parties. The position is at the VU but the candidate is expected to regularly visit the NLDA.

You will contribute to high quality research with the aim of publishing top level scientific articles and completing a PhD thesis. You will present your research at academic conferences and interdisciplinary workshops. Following specialized PHD courses is part of the PhD trajectory. Also, you will provide a contribution to the Department’s teaching programme, with the opportunity to obtain a PhD teaching qualification certificate.

Your profile

• motivated to do high quality research with the aim of publishing top level scientific articles
• proven expertise in, and affinity with, quantitative research methods e.g. optimization algorithms and complexity analysis for routing and scheduling problems
• excellent academic writing and reflection skills
• high proficiency of the English language
• MA/MSc degree in Operations Research, Computer science, Mathematics, or closely related studies.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply.

What do we offer?

• a salary of € 3.059,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.881,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment
• an employment contract of initially 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years.
• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• solid pension scheme (ABP)
• contribution to commuting expenses
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

About us

Operations Analytics

The department of Operations Analytics of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam studies how data can be transformed into better decisions for a variety of processes and operations.

Research efforts are aimed at analyzing data-driven decision-making problems arising in industry and society, in particular related to Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Sustainability and Networks.

By examining the mathematical structure and properties of these decision-making problems and by developing novel data analysis and optimization methods, the Department offers academic and practical insights on how to tackle contemporary challenges. Supported by government research grants and industry collaborations, the research output of the department is published in top-tier journals and valorized in master of science programmes in Transport and Supply Chain Management, in Econometrics and Operations Research, and in executive education.

School of Business and Economics

We at the School of Business and Economics (SBE) at VU Amsterdam bring together socially relevant teaching and research in the areas of business administration and economics.

Are you interested in joining SBE? You will work in a stimulating, dynamic and international environment with motivated colleagues dedicated to helping society make informed choices.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research.

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility.