Job description
At TU/e we solicit applications for a PhD project in sustainable agri-food distribution networks together with Wageningen University. Supported by a large consortium of research institutes, industrial partners and farmers, this Phd investigates alternative supply chain structures to scale-up mixed cropping systems in a sustainable way, optimising first mile logistics, distribution networks and post-harvest operations. For this purpose, decision models will be developed, which can be used to evaluate the economic viability and sustainable performance of the studied alternatives.
The project
This PhD project is part of a large multi-disciplinary research consortium funded by the Dutch Science foundation (NOW) focusing on the potential of crop mixtures as a sustainable alternative to conventional agricultural production. The goal of this research consortium is to investigate different aspects of these mixed cropping systems, ranging from crop interactions and biodiversity to innovative business models, in order to better understand the benefits as well as the underlying system requirements.
Focusing more specifically on the requirements of first mile logistics and distribution networks, the objective of this PhD position is to develop network design and distribution planning models to optimise decisions beyond the farm level related to the collection, processing, storage, and distribution of products. These mathematical models will be used to propose and analyse possible downstream supply chain configurations and gain managerial insights regarding their economic and environmental performance.
We expect the PhD student to:
- develop a project proposal based on academic literature;
- build relevant mathematical models for the application context;
- design efficient algorithms to solve the built models;
- communicate the results within the project consortium;
- present the findings at conferences
- and publish papers in internationally renowned journals.
TU/e and the team
The PhD students will be supervised by dr. Sonja Rohmer (TU/e), dr. Argyris Kanellopoulos (WUR), and prof. dr. Tom Van Woensel (TU/e). Sonja and Argyris both have a strong research interest in planning and decision making related to agri-food logistics, while Tom has a strong research focus on vehicle routing and freight logistics.
The project is embedded in TU/e’s Operations, Planning, Accounting, and Control (OPAC) group of the School of Industrial Engineering, and will be conducted in close collaboration with the Operations Research and Logistics (ORL) Group at the Wageningen University. The OPAC group conducts research in the area of Operations Management and Operations Research on a wide variety of problems, attracting PhD students from diverse backgrounds. The ORL group’s focus is on developing decision support models for sustainable agri-food supply chains.
Target profile
We are looking for candidates with a strong interest in sustainable development within agri-food logistics. Ideal candidates should have a solid background in mathematical methods and quantitative optimization, holding a master’s degree in a discipline relevant to the project (e.g., operations research, mathematics, agricultural/environmental economics, industrial engineering, etc.). Students should, furthermore, have prior experience with programming (e.g., Python, C++) and mathematical modelling (e.g. Gurobi, Cplex), while knowledge on important challenges of current agri-food production chains is definitely a plus.
Candidates are required to have a high level of proficiency in English and demonstrate a willingness to learn the Dutch language if no previous knowledge of the Dutch language exists.
Job requirements
- A Master's degree in a discipline relevant to the PhD project (e.g., operations research, mathematics, agricultural/environmental economics, industrial engineering, etc.)
- Solid background in mathematical methods and quantitative optimization
- Programming experience (e.g., Python, C++, Gurobi, Cplex)
- knowledge on important challenges of current agri-food production chains;
- Fluency in English, knowledge of the Dutch language is beneficial.
Conditions of employment
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 four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
- Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 27.
- A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
- High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
- An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
- An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
- A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.
Information and application
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. S.U.K Rohmer, email: s.u.k.rohmer[at]tue.nl.
More information about the OPAC group can be found here.
Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HRServices.flux[at]tue.nl.
Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.
Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button.
The application should include the following documents (all in English):
- Cover letter (1 page max), which includes a motivation of your interest in the vacancies;
- An extensive curriculum vitae;
- Course list of your Masters and Bachelor programs (including grades);
- Results of a recent English language test, or other evidence of your English language capabilities;
- Results of a GRE/GMAT test if available;
- Name and contact information of two references.
If you are interested, we invite you to apply before July 3rd, 2023. You can send us your application through the online job portal of the TU/e: http://jobs.tue.nl/en/vacancies.html. We start interviewing as soon as possible and keep the position open until the position has been filled.
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