Call for PhD Applications : Optimization-Driven Maritime Planning for OCP (14486)
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Job Description
Call for PhD Applications: Optimization-Driven Maritime Planning for OCP
PhD Supervisor:
Dr. Tarik Aouam (Full Professor in Decision Sciences & Operations)
Funding: 4-year doctoral contract starting in October 2025
Location: Rabat Morocco
Prerequisite: Master degree in Operations Research Operations Management Computer Science Applied Mathematics (and fields of research related to the project)Application process: description
This project aims to advance strategic planning methodologies for maritime logistics in dual-product phosphate supply chains addressing critical gaps in cost efficiency sustainability and resilience. Focusing on OCPs interconnected flows of phosphate-based fertilizers. The research will develop integrated frameworks to optimize synergies across fleet deployment route coordination and port operations while embedding environmental and operational constraints.
Specifically the project will:
Design strategic planning models to optimize long-term investments in fleet capacity and infrastructure ensuring alignment with OCPs cost and sustainability targets.
Develop tactical decision-support tools to synchronize routing cargo allocation and scheduling for mixed-product shipments under dynamic market conditions.
The literature related to this topic is still developing and interested candidates are encouraged to familiarize themselves with it drawing on (but not limited to) the following sources:
Lam J. S. L. Bai X. & Liu X. (2017). Robust port network design under uncertain disruptions. Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review.
Meng Q. Wang S. Andersson H. & Thun K. (2014). Containership routing and scheduling in liner shipping: Overview and future research directions. European Journal of Operational Research 234(2) 349381.
Rana K. Srensen M. & Tirkkonen P. (2022). Multi-stage stochastic programming for chartering contracts in bulk shipping. European Journal of Operational Research 298(1) 176191
Wang S. Meng Q. & Liu Z. (2023). Robust Maritime Inventory Routing with Demand Uncertainty: A Stochastic Optimization Approach. Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review
Zhen L. Wang K. Zhang Y. & Laporte G. (2023). Dynamic Disruption Management in Liner Shipping: A Hybrid Reinforcement Learning and Optimization Approach. Transportation Science 57(4) 1029-1048.
The successful candidate will actively contribute to all phases of the research project by:
Data Collection & Analysis:
Gathering and analyzing primary/secondary data on maritime logistics operations including port throughput fleet utilization emissions profiles and dual-product (fertilizer/feed) flow dynamics across OCPs global supply chains.
Model Development & Application:
Designing advanced optimization models (e.g. MILP stochastic programming) and planning frameworks to address strategic-tactical challenges in fleet deployment route synchronization and port selection for mixed-cargo flows.
Academic Dissemination:
Publishing high-impact research
Research Questions
How can an integrated maritime transport network encompassing fleet composition vessel routing and port selection be optimally designed to manage OCPs dual-product flows
How can tactical shipping routes and fleet schedules be optimized to minimize costs while guaranteeing on-time delivery of phosphate fertilizers
Skills
You hold a strong academic background in operations research industrial engineering maritime logistics or a related quantitative field with excellent command of English. You possess expertise in at least one of the following areas: mathematical optimization (e.g. MILP stochastic programming) maritime network modeling fleet deployment strategies or data-driven logistics planning.
You demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate complex maritime logistics challengessuch as dual-product flows port congestion or emissions constraintsinto structured optimization models. As a self-motivated researcher you thrive in collaborative environments and can deliver high-quality results under tight deadlines. Resilience adaptability and a passion for bridging theoretical models with real-world maritime applications are essential.
Supervisor information
Prof. Aouam is a full professor of OR and OM at Africa Business School he has extensive experience leading research initiatives that integrate advanced analytics with real-world supply chain challenges. He is currently conducting several research and industrial projects in collaboration with OCP SBU Mining and SBU Manufacturing and OCP Africa furthering his deep engagement with the phosphate industry. Additionally he has secured and led or contributed to multiple funded projects by Belgian and American Research agencies building complex decision-support systems that blend AI/ML forecasting with OR-based optimization. He has been main supervisor of 14 PhD students and 4 Postdoctoral students at UM6P and Ghent University. Publication record spans high-impact high-quality Production Logistics and Operations Research journals with significant contributions to topics such as inventory positioning production planning and network design under uncertainty often using robust data-driven methods.
Application Deadline:
June 30th 2025.
Contact Information:
For inquiries and application submissions please contact
Website: ABS :
Africa Business School supports the transformation of organizations through Research Advisory and Learning. Our goal is toimpactthe operating models of your organization bysupportingindividuals through this transformation. Established in 2016 with the aim of being the leading business school in Africa specializing in Research Advisory and LearningABS is the business school ofMohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P).Dedicated to creatingthe continents future leadersthrough training research and innovation ABS aspires to make learners confident inresponding to the most crucial challenges facing Africaand the world. Africa Business School introduces a different perspective to leadership with a hybrid approach to teaching centered on the human being. All of its programs take a holistic approach aiming for the participants to develop analytical and practical skills both quantitative and qualitative cognitive and emotional managerial and technological. A cornerstone of their studies is training them on their sense of responsibility to society tobe culturally and socially responsible leaders.
Employment Type
Full Time
