A postdoctoral researcher on optimizing synchromodal transport networks for construction logistics

At TU/e we solicit applications for a Postdoctoral researcher who is interested in designing transport networks and associated decision-making algorithms/tools to foster modal shift from road to inland waterways for construction flows.

Logistics activities are major contributing factors to the construction sectors emissions. While synchromodal networks (combining road transport with alternative modes of transport) have shown significant benefits for cost and emission reduction in long-haul transport they have not seen sufficient uptake in the construction industry where the national borders usually confine the flows. The high weight and volume that characterize construction and demolition cargo make water transportation an ideal candidate for reducing emissions.

The DINALOG project SYNERCIZE (Synchromodal Transport Networks for a Construction Industry toward Zero Emissions) fosters long-term sustainable modal shift toward zero-emission waterways by (i) developing digital tools (ii) optimizing and coordinating the day-to-day operations (iii) designing networks which easily adapt to changing demand and (iv) developing business models to support this shift. At TU/e we are working on the optimization and coordination of operations as well as the network design. We thus invite applications for a PostDoc who is interested in working at the intersection of research and practice in collaboration with municipalities as well as construction companies who like to further the state-of-the-art in decision-making algorithms for construction logistics and who is eager to work toward a zero-emission construction industry.

The PostDoc will utilize and develop various methodologies from operations research and operations management including combinatorial optimization game theory (deep) reinforcement learning and simulation. Possible topics include:

• Upscaling of inland waterway networks to meet geographically fluctuating demand
• Incentive mechanisms to drive modal shift towards waterways (such as hub locations schedules etc which make modal shift easier)
• Pricing schemes on arc/node level to foster modal shift

TU/e and the team

The PostDoc will work with dr. Layla Martin and dr. Nevin Mutlu. Nevin and Layla are both assistant professors focusing on revenue management in the retail and logistics sector and operations research for transport and logistics respectively.

The project the supervisors and eventually also the PostDoc are embedded in TU/es Operations Planning Accounting and Control (OPAC) group. OPAC uses methods from operations research and operations management on a wide variety of problems and currently hosts around 50 PhD students and several PostDocs from various backgrounds.

The supervisors are actively involved in the European Supply Chain Forum () a leading platform for collaboration between industry and academia on supply chain challenges. The project draws upon long-standing collaborations with industry. The PostDoc will collaborate with several companies and municipalities/provinces.

Target profile

We are looking for researchers with a PhD (or who will defend their PhD soon) in operations research industrial engineering or similar fields. A qualified candidate utilized and developed methodologies from operations research (e.g. mathematical programming heuristic development game theory reinforcement learning) during their prior research has experience in the logistics or construction sector (and a keen interest in the other) and a drive to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Candidates must have experience in object-oriented programming using languages such as C or Java. Additionally experience in Python is beneficial.

We hope to hire as soon as possible (fall 26) and thus focus on candidates who at least have submitted their thesis.

• A PhD degree in Operations Research Industrial Engineering Econometrics Computer Science Applied Mathematics or a related field
• Extensive experience with developing and applying operations research methods such as optimization machine learning etc.
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills
• Programming experience in object-oriented languages such as C or Java
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• Knowledge of the Dutch language helps communicating with our industry partners but is not mandatory

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 2 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities scale 10 (min. 3546 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.
• Unlimited access to the modern oncampus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• 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.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

We are a leading international university 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.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven a worldleading tech region with more than 7000 hightech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI photonics semiconductors and advanced manufacturing Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

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.

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more Please contact the hiring manager Layla Martin via .

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HR Services .

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

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.

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.

• 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.