Postdoc or Programmer In Real-Life Transportation Optimization

Introduction

Are you passionate about working on the forefront of state-of-the-art in Transportation Science and do you want to achieve real impact by translating this knowledge into practice

At our group we have three ongoing initiatives in which fundamental scientific knowledge is translated into practical decision support in collaboration with one or multiple companies. We are looking for a new team member with strong programming skills and relevant knowledge about logistics optimization who will take a key role in the following initiatives.

1. Within the Next-Level Logistics project we are developing collaborative decision-support tools to optimize cross-docking operations for freight transport. We do this in collaboration with 10 transportation companies. These decision-support tools comprise advanced algorithms that borrow concepts from metaheuristic search integer programming reinforcement learning and stochastic optimization.

These tools are used to evaluate several design concepts for cross-docking collaboration for example:

• Optimal location of cross-docking operations
• Organizing in and outbound vehicle routing with pickups and deliveries
• Evaluating service promises (24h or 48h delivery)

1. Within the Conversion Factory project we create online platforms in which we showcase the power of transportation optimization to the outside world. Currently we are planning to showcase two algorithms:
   1. Full-truckload transport planning with crossdock operations
   2. Two-echelon collection and distribution operations

1. Within the AI4ROAD project we develop in direct collaboration with Van der Wal ( a transportation company) decision-support tooling for full-truckload transport planning.

Your tasks will mainly revolve around the next-level logistics project but flexibility allows you to also take up roles in the other projects. We encourage people with a PhD to apply (the appointment will be at the level of a postdoctoral researcher) or without a PhD having sufficient programming and logistics optimization experience in industry (and the appointment will be as a researcher/programmer).

Job Description

Your taks will include:

• Lead upscaling of research prototypes into stable robust systems suitable for industry pilots and long-term use.
• Collaborate with industry partners (cross-docks carriers 3PLs) to design deploy and evaluate pilot studies.
• Translate academic algorithms into reliable software components with clear documentation.
• Collaborate on fundamental state-of-the-art transportation science concepts and if interested publish in top scientific journals.
• Co-organize stakeholder workshops and co-creation sessions to validate user needs and solution effectiveness.
• Publish results in high-quality journals and conferences and contribute to grant proposals.

Job Requirements

You are/have:

• Either a PhD in Industrial Engineering Operations Research Computer Science Logistics or a strongly related field OR a MSc in Operations Research Computer Science Econometrics (Applied) Mathematics Industrial Engineering or a strongly related field.
• In case of PhD evidence that you are interested or already developed decision-support tools for (and in collaboration with) case of a MSc relevant experience in developing decision-support tools for logistics.
• Strong programming skills in C/C (or any fundamental language) Python SQL and relevant experience in creating proof of concepts of logistics solutions.
• A getting things done mentality.
• Proficiency in Dutch is highly preferred or a track-record showing that you can work with the Dutch SME independently and fluently.
• Excellent English communication skills.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful green campus within walking distance of the central train addition we offer you:

• Full-time employment for 1 year.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities scale 10 (min. 4241 max. 5538).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure on-campus childrens day care and sports facilities.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting working from home and internet costs.
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network and offers tailored support training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international university within the Brainport region where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13000 students and more than 7000 staff forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

The Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences (IE&IS) department combines disciplinary knowledge from the humanities social sciences and technical sciences to solve the complex problems of industries and society. We collaboratively focus on and create responsible and effective innovations for the research themes: Humans and Technology Supply Chain Management Sustainability and Circularity and Value of Data-Driven Intelligence.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more Please contact the hiring manager Albert Schrotenboer Associate Professor .

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services IE&IS .

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application using the apply-button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
• List of up to five self-selected best publications (if relevant)
• Experience of logistics digitalization projects in industry (if relevant)

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.