PhD scholarship in Operations Research and Data Science Optimizing Water Networks DTU Management

If you are ambitious and interested in joining a supportive and dynamic research team working with Operations Research and Machine Learning on an important application look no further.

DTU Management would like to invite applications for a 3-year PhD position starting no later than February 1st 2026. You will work under the supervision of Professor Stefan Røpke Professor Bissan Ghaddar (DTU/Ivey/IE) and Professor Claudia DAmbrosio (LIX Ecole Polytechnique/CNRS). You will be enrolled at DTU and you will be part of a vibrant international network with research visits at LIX Ecole Polytechnique in Paris (France) and potentially also at the IE University in Madrid (Spain) and/or at Ivey Business School (Canada).

You will work on developing mathematical optimization methodologies at the intersection of machine learning and operations research to design and operate the water networks of future sustainable societies. Water networks are characterized by their complex topologies and highly non-linear hydraulic behaviours which pose significant computational challenges for large-scale planning and operational optimization. By leveraging the inherent network structure the project aims to develop scalable optimization models that capture the sparse structure of water networks. The proposed research will develop methodologies and advanced solutions that will help societies improve energy efficiency cut emissions and save water waste.

We are a supportive team that will welcome you in a vibrant interdisciplinary environment at one of Europes top technical universities a university that values innovation societal impact and diversity. At DTU you will benefit from supportive policies for professional development entrepreneurship and work-life balance. We are located in Copenhagen one of the worlds most liveable cities. The university offers an excellent quality of life a safe and sustainable urban environment and a vibrant cultural scene.

Responsibilities and qualifications
In this project you will develop the next generation of tools for advanced optimisation models for water networks. We are looking for a candidate who is motivated by both technical curiosity and making a real-world impact. Your primary responsibilities are:

• Become familiar with existing literature on water networks optimization.
• Are eager to learn and explore the use of large-scale non-linear and polynomial optimization techniques.
• Implement computationally efficient optimization methods to solve the developed models for realistic problems from practice.
• Conduct experiments and benchmarks and report results.
• Write publishable papers documenting the research results.
• Provide support in writing and developing research grants.

We would also look for a candidate interested in taking the project further by collaborating on writing and developing research applications.

You must have a two-year masters degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year masters degree.

You should have an MSc background in Industrial Engineering Management Science/Operations Research Computer Science Mathematics or a similar degree.

Additional qualifications include:

• Good Experience with programming languages such as C/C Python Julia or similar.
• Experience with mathematical optimization software.
• Experience with machine learning packages.
• Excellent communication in English and interpersonal skills for working in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Able to work independently.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme please seeDTUs rules for the PhD education.

Assessment
The assessment will be made through an interview over zoom/teams and will be led by the project partners.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research education innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more aboutcareer paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained fromProfessor Stefan Røpke () or Professor Bissan Ghaddar ().

You can read more about DTU Management at .

If you are applying from abroad you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU atDTU Moving to you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar PhDrelocation to Denmark and startup Zoom seminar for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 30 October 2025 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply please open the link Apply now fill out the online application form and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• A research statement (1-2 pages) explaining your ideas and relevant litterature

You may apply prior to obtaining your masters degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age gender disability race religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology which is subject to special rules for security and export control open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Management conducts excellent research in the intersection between management technology and economics. We develop solutions in close cooperation with companies and public authorities. Our research aims at strengthening welfare productivity and sustainability within society. A key element is the role of technology and its interaction with industry and individuals. The department is divided into four divisions: Technology & Business Studies Management Science Climate & Energy Policy and Transportation Science. The department offers a wide range of courses and programs at bachelor master and PhD level across DTUs study pro-grams. The department has around 200 employees with around half coming from abroad.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UNs 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13500 students and 6000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive evolving and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.