The Operations Research group of the University of Antwerp (ANT/OR) is looking for a PhD candidate in the areas of optimization and statistics. This position is for 4 years as a full-time doctoral researcher, and it is framed within a project financed by the Flemish Fund for Scientific Research (FWO).
The topic of the project is related to the performance analysis of (meta)heuristic optimization algorithms. The main objective is to develop a new methodology for evaluating and fine-tuning the execution of these algorithms. Such methodology will be based on well-founded statistical principles, and will constitute the core of an open-source software package. The ultimate goal is to help researchers/practitioners to develop better optimization algorithms in shorter periods of time.
The ideal candidate has a master's degree in computer science, mathematics, statistic, civil/business engineering or other related field of study. He/she has a strong background in operations research and statistics, excellent programming and software development skills, and a good command of the English language. Previous experience with (meta)heuristic algorithms and statistical modeling/analysis is highly valued.
The successful candidate will receive a tax-free scholarship (of approximately 1800 euros per month) for a 4-year period, subject to yearly evaluation. He/she will enroll in the doctoral program of the Faculty of Applied Economics (Department of Engineering Management) and is expected to obtain a PhD degree by the end of the fourth year. There is a sizeable budget available for attending international conferences, advanced workshops and other courses. Although the focus of the position is mainly on research, the candidate might be asked to take part in some teaching activities.
The ANT/OR research group is a young and dynamic team of about 13 researchers. It focuses on developing optimization methods to solve decision-making problems in a wide variety of fields, ranging from logistics and supply chain, transportation and production planning, to humanitarian logistics and digital music. The group works in close collaboration with several industrial partners, non-profit organizations and other international research institutions. The University of Antwerp is home to around 20000 students, of which 18% come from overseas. It has been ranked 13 in the top 150 young universities in the world (with less than 50 years of age). Antwerp is the second largest city in Belgium. It has one of the busiest ports in Europe and is one of the biggest diamond trade centres in the world. This vibrant city is famous for its history, fashion industry, delicious food (beer, chocolate, fries, waffles ,...) and excellent quality of life.
Interested candidates are requested to provide a motivation letter and a detailed CV. In order to apply for this position, please send these documents (in PDF format) by email to Daniel Palhazi Cuervo (daniel.palhazicuervo@uantwerpen.be ). The expected starting date is January 2018.
For more information about this position, you are welcome to contact Daniel Palhazi Cuervo (daniel.palhazicuervo@uantwerpen.be ) or prof. Kenneth Sörensen (kenneth.sorensen@uantwerpen.be ).
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