NETWORKS-COFUND Postdoctoral (NETCO-PD) Position in approximate and exact operations research methods for stochastic networks. The (Data-Driven) Stochastic Operations Research groups of the department of Mathematics and Computer Science at TU/e invite applicants for a postdoctoral position in approximate and exact operations research methods for stochastic networks, e.g., structural & convergence properties of reinforcement learning algorithms, clustering in block Markov chains, performance & reliability analysis of dynamic flow networks. The position begins on October 1, 2024. The appointment will be for a term of 18-24 months. Applications will be considered (and decisions made) on a rolling basis.

This position receives funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement Grant Agreement No 101034253.

In order to be eligible, the candidate should be in possession of a PhD degree or obtain one within three months at the starting date of the appointment. The programme focuses on training researchers in the early stages after their PhD, so the candidate should have at most three years full-time post-PhD-degree research experience at the date of recruitment.

Moreover, the candidate should meet the mobility requirement of the MSCA, which encourages transnational, intersectoral and interdisciplinary mobility. The mobility requirement is: The candidate may not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than twelve months in the three years immediately before the call deadline.

Job Description

We are looking for highly motivated and independent researchers in Applied Probability and Stochastic Operations Research. We in particular seek talented researchers with expertise in approximate and exact operations research methods for stochastic networks.

We encourage candidates who not only fortify and complement the research capabilities of the (Data-Driven) Stochastic Operations Research groups at Eindhoven University of Technology, but also integrate naturally within the NETWORKS project. As such, talented researchers with (additional) expertise in algorithmics for Stochastic Operations Research will also be strongly considered.

The NETCO-PD programme has been active in efforts towards improving openness and inclusion in the (mathematical) sciences. We encourage applications from all qualified, interested applicants, and we aspire to broaden the perspectives of the group and the NETWORKS team.

The postdoctoral fellow is expected to perform the following tasks: (Task 1) contribute to the networks research themes and take a leadership role in conducting research. The research lies in the core of the appointment; (Task 2) contribute to the teaching and supervision of students in the group.

Furthermore, NETWORKS offers an extensive and inspiring training program (training week, industrial internship, professional skills courses). The research and training program of NETWORKS offers excellent opportunities for a future career, be it in academia, government, or industry.

The project will be carried out at the Mathematics and Computer Science department of the Eindhoven University of Technology. The department has a vibrant international environment, with 46% of the scientific staff being non-Dutch nationals and more than 100 PhD candidates. It has extensive experience in helping new (foreign) employees settle in.

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.

The university is highly committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive population of students, faculty, and staff. We are especially interested in applicants who are able to work effectively with students, faculty, and staff from all backgrounds, including but not limited to: racial and ethnic minorities, women, individuals who identify with LGBTQ communities, individuals with disabilities, individuals from lower income backgrounds, and/or first-generation college graduates.

• Highly motivated and independent researcher, with a PhD in Applied Probability and Stochastic Operations Research or a comparable domain.
• In possession of a PhD degree or obtain one within three months at the starting date of the appointment.
• Satisfying the mobility requirement of the MSCA.
• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
• A team player who enjoys working in the dynamic, interdisciplinary teams and who can integrate naturally within the NETWORKS project.
• A proven ability to manage complex projects to completion on schedule.
• Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English, good communication and leadership skills.

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 station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for 18-24 months. Please note that for postdoc positions, our departmental policy is that we offer a one-year contract first, which is extended based on good performance.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. €4,020 max. €5,278).
• 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 children's 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.

NETWORKS values an inclusive and diverse working environment, and we encourage all candidates to apply, irrespective of their gender, religion, sexual orientation or disabilities.  When evaluating the candidates, we will take parental leave and other personal circumstances into account, and we will strive for a candidate who complements the breadth and diversity of our group.

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Dr. Stella Kapodistria (s.kapodistria@tue.nl).

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

Application

More information on the NETWORKS-COFUND project can be found in the Information Package for Postdoc Applicants.

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

• A proposal (about 3-5 pages) with your research idea and main aim(s), briefly describing approach, methodology, challenges, originality, timetable, required training, ethical issues, and potential societal use.
• A motivation letter that must, among other things, mention the NETWORKS research theme(s) you are interested in and the motivation for working within NETWORKS and the (Data-Driven) SOR groups at Eindhoven University of Technology.
• A CV, a copy of your PhD degree and your PhD thesis.
• The names and email addresses of up to three references, who will be contacted by us for recommendation letters.

The evaluation criteria are:

• Quality of the research proposal (50%):
• the originality and ambition of the project, the extent to which it is feasible, appropriate. consideration of inter- and multi-disciplinary aspects.
• the approach and proposed research methodology, feasibility of proposed time-scale.
• societal use, exploitation and dissemination.

• The candidate's experience as a researcher and your skills (40%):
• track record in performing research, knowledge and experience, evidence of creative thinking, independence and leadership potential.
• verbal and oral communication skills (in English), potential for rapidly gaining new skills.

• Commitment to the project, open mindedness, motivation for NETCO-PD (10%).

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until September 25, 2024.

Please note that a maximum of 5 documents of each 2 MB each can be uploaded. If you have more than 5 documents, you will have to combine them.