Call for PhD Applications : Strategic Supply Chain Network Design with Environmental Constraints (14485)
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Call for PhD Applications : Strategic Supply Chain Network Design with Environmental Constraints (14485)
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Job Description
Call for PhD Applications: Strategic Supply Chain Network Design with Environmental Constraints
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 research project aims to redefine supply chain optimization for OCP by integrating advanced analytical methods with strategic sustainability imperatives. Focused on the unique challenges of the phosphate industry the study will develop novel frameworks to enhance supply chain resilience efficiency and competitive positioning in dynamic global markets.
The research will pursue the following objectives:
Design next-generation Supply Chain Network Design (SCND) models that unify production logistics and market strategies ensuring scalability for OCPs diverse operational landscape.
Introduce hybrid optimization techniques combining exact methods and metaheuristics to solve large-scale multi-objective supply chain problems.
Doctoral Research Topic
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:
Cordeau JF Klibi W Nickel S (2021) Logistics network design. Network Design with Applications to Transportation and Logistics 599625 (Springer).
Jahani H Abbasi B Sheu JB Klibi W (2024) Supply chain network design with financial considerations: a comprehensive review. European Journal of Operational Research 312(3) 799-839.
Kumar K. & Aouam T. (2018). Integrated lot sizing and safety stock placement in a network of production facilities. International Journal of Production Economics 195 74-95.
The successful candidate will actively contribute to all phases of the research project by:
Collecting and analyzing primary and secondary data on supply chain operations sustainability practices and market dynamics relevant to OCPs global phosphate value chains.
Developing and applying advanced optimization models to address strategic SCND challenges leveraging both theoretical and empirical insights.
Drafting high-impact academic manuscripts on supply chain resilience hybrid optimization techniques and sustainable industrial practices.
Translating research findings into practical tools or frameworks to enhance OCPs decision-making processes potentially through software prototypes or analytical dashboards.
Designing and executing large-scale case studies or computational experiments to validate model performance under real-world constraints.
Research Questions
How can multi-objective supply chain network design (SCND) models simultaneously optimize economic performance (cost/revenue) and environmental impact (e.g. carbon footprint)
How can OCP harness Industry 4.0 technologies (IoT blockchain digital twins) to create transparent agile and sustainable supply chain networks that respond dynamically to global market fluctuations and sustainability requirements
Skills
You hold a strong academic background in operations research industrial engineering supply chain management or a related quantitative field with excellent command of English. You possess expertise in at least one of the following areas: mathematical optimization (MILP stochastic programming) supply chain modeling heuristic algorithms or data science applications in logistics.
You demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate complex supply chain challenges into structured models. As a self-driven researcher you thrive in collaborative environments and can deliver high-quality results under tight deadlines. Resilience adaptability and a passion for bridging theory with industrial applications are essential.
Supervisor information
Prof. Aouam is a full professor of OR ad 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
