Postdoc or Programmer In Real-Life Transportation Optimization

Are you passionate about working on the forefront of state-of-the-art in Transportation Science, and do you want to achieve real impact by translating this knowledge into practice?

At our group, we have three ongoing initiatives in which fundamental scientific knowledge is translated into practical decision support, in collaboration with one or multiple companies. We are looking for a new team member with strong programming skills and relevant knowledge about logistics optimization, who will take a key role in the following initiatives.

1. Within the Next-Level Logistics project, we are developing collaborative decision-support tools to optimize cross-docking operations for freight transport. We do this in collaboration with 10+ transportation companies. These decision-support tools comprise advanced algorithms that borrow concepts from metaheuristic search, integer programming, reinforcement learning, and stochastic optimization.

These tools are used to evaluate several design concepts for cross-docking collaboration, for example:

• Optimal location of cross-docking operations
• Organizing in and outbound vehicle routing with pickups and deliveries
• Evaluating service promises (24h or 48h delivery)

1. Within the Conversion Factory project, we create online platforms in which we showcase the power of transportation optimization to the outside world. Currently, we are planning to showcase two algorithms:
   
   1. Full-truckload transport planning with crossdock operations
   2. Two-echelon collection and distribution operations
2. Within the AI4ROAD project, we develop in direct collaboration with Van der Wal ( a transportation company) decision-support tooling for full-truckload transport planning.

Your tasks will mainly revolve around the next-level logistics project, but flexibility allows you to also take up roles in the other projects. We encourage people with a PhD to apply (the appointment will be at the level of a postdoctoral researcher) or without a PhD, having sufficient programming and logistics optimization experience in industry (and the appointment will be as a researcher/programmer).

Information
Your taks will include:

• Lead upscaling of research prototypes into stable, robust systems suitable for industry pilots and long-term use.
• Collaborate with industry partners (cross-docks, carriers, 3PLs) to design, deploy, and evaluate pilot studies.
• Translate academic algorithms into reliable software components with clear documentation.
• Collaborate on fundamental, state-of-the-art, transportation science concepts, and if interested, publish in top scientific journals.
• Co-organize stakeholder workshops and co-creation sessions to validate user needs and solution effectiveness.
• Publish results in high-quality journals and conferences and contribute to grant proposals.

You are/have:

• Either a PhD in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Computer Science, Logistics, or a strongly related field OR a MSc in Operations Research, Computer Science, Econometrics, (Applied) Mathematics, Industrial Engineering or a strongly related field.
• In case of PhD, evidence that you are interested or already developed, decision-support tools for (and in collaboration with) practitioners. In case of a MSc, relevant experience in developing decision-support tools for logistics.
• Strong programming skills in C++/C (or any fundamental language), Python, SQL, and relevant experience in creating proof of concepts of logistics solutions.
• A getting things done mentality.
• Proficiency in Dutch is highly preferred, or a track-record showing that you can work with the Dutch SME independently and fluently.
• Excellent English communication 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 1 year.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 4,241 max. € 5,538).
• 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.

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Albert Schrotenboer, Associate Professor, a.h.schrotenboer@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services IE&IS, hrservices.ieis@tue.nl.

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