SOM, the graduate school and research institute of the Faculty of Economics and Business has available a PhD position Maintenance modelling and joint optimization for infrastructures (1.0 FTE).

In this PhD project, the main goal is to use and develop operations research (OR) techniques and models to optimize maintenance and replacement strategies for infrastructures. These models should take into account mutual influences and possibilities of clustering. Additionally, the effects on the (undisturbed) usage of other infrastructures and on overall goals such as accessibility of urban areas should be considered.
The project is structured into two connected stages. In the initial phase of the project, relevant information and data have to be collected from the infrastructure administrators as inputs for the model development. Especially in this phase, cooperation with the four infrastructure partners (Vitens, Alliander, Port of Rotterdam, Schiphol) is foreseen. In the second phase, novel techniques and models building on the maintenance approaches and models currently used by infrastructure administrators will be developed to analyze the collected maintenance and renewal data. The position will be part of the research programme Operations Management and Operations Research, (see https://www.rug.nl/research/opera/ ) and is financed by a grant from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) and NGInfra.

For this project we are looking for a candidate with an MSc degree in Operations Research and a specific interest in maintenance modelling and optimization.

Candidates should have excellent skills in research methods, academic writing, should have excellent communication skills and should be able to cooperate in a multi-disciplinary team.

Fixed-term contract: 48 months.

If you are interested, we invite you to apply until 19 March 23.59 h / before 20 March 2018 Dutch local time by means of the application form (click on the "Apply" button below on the advertisement on the university website).

The application package consists of the following separate documents:
1. your CV and scan of your passport
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.

Conditions
The University of Groningen offers a salary dependent on qualifications and relevant work experience, with a minimum of € 2,222 gross per month which increases yearly to a maximum of € 2,840 gross per month. In addition there are an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end of year bonus.

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.

Starting date: 1 September 2018.

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

For more information on the procedure and to obtain an elaborate project description, please send an email to somvacancies@rug.nl

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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.