These PhD positions will be part of the NWO-Dinalog project ‘SLOEP’ (Service Logistics for Offshore Energy Production). The project focuses on the implications of the energy transition for offshore service logistics, with the aim to developing smart offshore service logistics concepts for maintaining complex offshore assets and an emphasis on the integration of transport and logistics over different energy sources (in particular oil & gas and offshore wind). One of the positions will study periodic operations and maintenance and develop mathematical models and solution approaches to plan and schedule periodic operations and maintenance services for a range of installations and transportation resources. The other position will address condition-based maintenance and study optimal locations of inventory and maintenance accommodations for logistics networks that might arise in the future, and also develop mathematical models and solution methods for dynamic planning of condition-based maintenance services and resources.

Both PhD candidates are expected to investigate long-term scenarios for offshore energy production, and consider the challenges and opportunities of contracting mechanisms and (horizontal and vertical) cooperation between asset owners and service providers. They will do so together with a number of consortium partners active in offshore wind (Siemens Gamesa), oil and gas (NAM and Peterson), offshore energy and logistics (Groningen Seaports) and consulting services (ORTEC).

The project will be embedded in SOM’s research programme in Operations.

Applicants with a Master of Science degree (or equivalent) in Operations Research or Industrial Engineering (with a quantitative focus) are invited to apply.

Fixed-term contract: 48 months.

The University of Groningen offers a gross monthly starting salary of € 2,325 which increases yearly to a maximum of € 2,972 in the fourth year. Based on the gross salary you will receive an additional 8% holiday allowance each year in May, and an additional 8.3 % end of year bonus in December. The full-time appointment is temporary for a period of four years, under the condition of a positive assessment at the end of the first year.

An assessment may be part of the procedure, consisting of psychological tests and an interview.

Starting date: 1 September 2019.

For more general information, please send an email to: somvacancies@rug.nl

How to apply
You may apply for this position until 3 March 23:59h / before 4 March 2019 European Central Time by means of the application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website).

The application package consists of the following separate documents:

1. Your cv
2. A motivation letter (1 A4 max) and a short study proposal for the PhD project (2 A4 max)
3. A scan of your diploma including transcripts
4. Proof of English proficiency
5. Other relevant documents.

The documents 1-4 are compulsory and please note that incomplete application packages will not be taken into account.

Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated.

Faculty of Economics and Business

Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has enjoyed an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative centre of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Belonging to the best research universities of Europe and joining forces with prestigious partner universities and networks, the University of Groningen is truly an international place of knowledge.

Faculty of Economics and Business
The Faculty of Economics and Business offers an inspiring study and working environment for students and employees. International accreditation enables the Faculty to assess performance against the highest international standards. It also creates an exciting environment of continuous improvement. FEB's programmes, academic staff and research do well on various excellence ranking lists.

SOM, the graduate school and research institute of the Faculty of Economics and Business has available a PhD position in the field of Offshore Energy Service Logistics.