The advent of market-ready digital solutions and automation provides a promising foundation for revolutionary mobility concepts. A Post-doc position is open at the Freight Transport & Logistics  lab within a new European Project, PoDs4Rail, concerning rail-based flexible guided transportation systems. The technology revolves around small automated rail cars (Pods) used for both passengers and freight, which can move independently as well as coupled into trains. The size of the pods and their mixed use allow for the necessary flexibility to provide high service levels at acceptable costs. In this project you will focus on creation of a modular software framework representing the behaviour of the physical system, with connections to technical-operational models developed in the project. You will also develop models and algorithms for decentral control of the Pods movements in the network.

As part of the activities, you will be involved in project management and supervision of PhD and master students working on the same topic. You will manage preparation of deliverables, research papers, and a solid ground for the continuation of further research activities. The duration of the postdoc position is 30 months, preferably starting from 1st of September 2023. 

You are a highly motivated and enthusiastic researcher (F/M) with the ambition to conduct high-quality interdisciplinary research. You enjoy thinking out-of-the-box, mentoring young researchers and are highly innovative, communicative and enjoy team work. You are reliable, independent, and organized in delivering with respect to deadlines. You have excellent communication and collaboration skills. In addition,

• You have a PhD degree in Computer science, Control, Transportation Engineering or a related field (with a strong background in optimization and mathematical modelling).
• You have strong software development skills in relevant programming languages such as Python, and you have knowledge in data management and software integration methods.
• You have knowledge related to (and keen on deepening your knowledge in) VRP, scheduling, fleet management, and similar problems.
• You are familiar with the areas of intermodal freight transport, and railway operations and planning and related fields.
• Familiarity with machine learning is a plus.
• An excellent command of English is expected. 

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Architecture & the Built Environment

The Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment has a leading role in education and research worldwide. The driving force behind the faculty’s success is its robust research profile combined with the energy and creativity of its student body and academic community. It is buzzing with energy from early in the morning until late at night, with four thousand people studying, working, designing, conducting research and acquiring and disseminating knowledge. Our faculty has a strong focus on 'design-oriented research’, which has given it a top position in world rankings.

Staff and students are working to improve the built environment with the help of a broad set of disciplines, including architectural design, urban planning, building technology, social sciences, process management, and geo-information science. The faculty works closely with other faculties, universities, private parties, and the public sector, and has an extensive network in the Netherlands as well as internationally.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment.