Inland Waterborne Transport (IWT) advantages as low-energy and low CO2 emitting transport mode are not fully exploited today due to gaps in the logistics system. Inland container vessels pay 6-8 calls at seaport terminals with long waiting times. More time is lost by sub-optimal navigation on rivers and waiting at bridges and locks. In addition, low load factors of containers and vessels impact the logistics systems with unnecessary high numbers of containers being transported and trips being made. NOVIMOVE strategy is to “condense” the logistics system by improving container load factors and by reducing waiting times in seaports, by improved river voyage planning and execution, and by facilitating smooth passages through bridges and locks. NOVIMOVE technology developments will be demonstrated by virtual simulation, scaled model tests and full-scale demonstrations.

In this project, you will be involved in the project management, setting the overall requirements to link and align the different NOVIMOVE research lines and work packages  on the logistics system, smart river navigation, innovative vessel concepts and new seaport business models. You will contribute to assessing the progress of the research lines and potential impact, and defining intermediary adjustments to accomplish the key results of the project. For these activities, you will work closely with the consortium partners, also via the organisation of workshops.

We are seeking an enthusiastic researcher who has expertise and/or interest in one or more of the following areas:
• coordination / management of (international) research projects with diverse partners;
• transportation systems, logistics / port logistics / inland waterways;
• communication and organization;
• project specification, requirements analysis, assessment;
• developing proof-of-concepts.

You have obtained a PhD degree or expect to obtain a PhD degree very soon in the fields of Transportation and Logistics Systems, Information Systems, Applied Mathematics or related fields. A very good command of the English language and the ability to work in a team are mandatory.

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

Technische Universiteit Delft

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The 3mE Faculty at Delft University of Technology trains committed engineering students, PhD candidates and post-doctoral researchers in groundbreaking scientific research in the fields of mechanical, maritime and materials engineering. 3mE is the epitome of a dynamic, innovative faculty, with a European scope that contributes demonstrable economic and social benefits.

The Department of Maritime and Transport Technology (M&TT) studies how to develop, design, build and operate marine, dredging and transport systems and their equipment. New generation transport and marine systems require the further development of the knowledge of the dynamics and the physical processes involved in transport, dredging and marine systems, the logistics of the systems and the interaction between the equipment and control systems.

The Transport Engineering and Logistics (TEL) section is part of the Department of Maritime and Transport Technology (M&TT) in the 3mE Faculty. The focus is on the development, design, construction and operation of transport systems and equipment. Education and research deals with transport-related topics that involve both technological and logistic issues. The combination of transport technology and logistics is considered one of the strong points of the TEL section.

TEL Section seeks for a talented and ambitious post-doctoral researcher to participate in the 21-partner H2020 project “NOVIMOVE: Novel inland waterway transport concepts for moving freight effectively”. TEL section is coordinating this project, and collaborating with logistics operators, ports, system-developers and research organisations from 4 EU member states and two associate countries, including among others: University of Antwerp, MARIN (Maritime Research Institute Netherlands), Port of Rotterdam/Antwerpen, CoVadem, TNO, DST (Development Center for Ship Technology and Transport Systems), Marlo, ScandiNAOS.