PhD Position Optimizing Multi-actor Transport and Logistics Systems

Would you like to develop new theory and algorithms for problems with multiple interacting actors? Are you interested in working at the intersection of game theory and mixed-integer optimisation?

PhD Position Optimizing Multi-actor Transport and Logistics Systems

Job description

Transport and logistics systems consist of many players with potentially conflicting objectives that continuously strive to maximize their performance. The competition and collaboration between these players can influence their decision-making, which is something that traditional Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) formulations with a single decision-maker cannot capture. The goal of this PhD is to develop novel methodologies at the intersection of operations research and game theory to address these problems. Applications can go beyond the transport and logistics domain.

Your research will focus on mathematical modelling and algorithm development for planning and operating multi-actor systems, taking into account that the actions of one actor influence the opportunities and performance of others. A central methodological component of the position is the development of scalable optimisation algorithms for large and computationally challenging problem instances. You will formulate mathematical programming models and design solution approaches based on techniques such as column generation, branch-and-price, and Benders decomposition.

You will be expected to:

• develop new game-theoretic/optimization models for multi-actor decision problems;
• design scalable solution methods for large-scale optimisation problems;
• contribute to scientific publications in leading journals in operations research, transportation, and logistics;
• communicate research findings to an interdisciplinary audience.

You will join the Transport and Logistics section of the Department of Engineering Systems and Services.

Job requirements

• An MSc degree in operations research, econometrics, applied mathematics, computer science, industrial engineering, systems and control, or a closely related discipline.
• A strong background and demonstrated experience in mathematical optimisation, in particular mixed-integer programming.
• Excellent programming skills (e.g., Python, Julia, Java, or C++) and experience with optimization solvers.
• Very good academic writing and communication skills in English.
• An open and collaborative attitude and the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary and international research environment.
• Knowledge of game theory, bi-level optimization and decomposition-based solution algorithms are a plus.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students.

Faculty Technology, Policy & Management

The Faculty of TPM provides an important contribution to solving complex technical-social issues, such as energy transition, mobility, digitalisation, water management and (cyber) security. TPM does this with its excellent education and research at the intersection of technology, society and policy. We combine insights from both engineering and social sciences as well as the humanities. TPM develops robust models and designs, is internationally oriented and has an extensive network of knowledge institutions, companies, social organisations and governments.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3204 - €4051 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

• Hours per week: 36
• FTE: 40

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis.

As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed.