PhD Position AI/ML Algorithms for Next Generation Transportation Systems

Are you curious how AI and ML can revolutionize the design of next-generation transportation systems?

Job description

Do you aspire to conduct groundbreaking AI/ML research while collaborating closely with Amazon Science Teams? Join us and make a real-world impact!

Efficient and reliable transportation systems are critical to the success of global e-commerce and vital for the functioning of modern societies.  As these systems grow more complex, challenges such as optimizing delivery routes and capacity planning, managing dynamic demand under stringent deadlines, and ensuring cost-effective and sustainable logistics become increasingly intricate. AI and ML provide a powerful foundation for addressing these challenges through data-driven models, principled optimization techniques, and scalable solution algorithms capable of handling uncertainties inherent in real-world systems.

In Project Hermes, TU Delft and Amazon join forces to design the next generation of AI/ML-enabled transportation solutions, with a focus on efficiency and sustainability. As a PhD researcher, you will drive algorithmic innovations for transportation systems, utilizing and extending AI/ML tools as well as cutting-edge optimization techniques, towards creating solutions that are robust, principled and scalable. The studied problems will be motivated by real-world use cases and evaluated in representative scenarios, in collaboration with scientists from Amazon Science, EU Logistics.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop novel optimization models for transportation networks and logistic systems, incorporating multi-dimensional operational constraints pertaining to capacity, connectivity, and resource management.
• Design AI/ML algorithms to tackle extremely large-scale logistics problems, using innovative methods based on Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Bayesian Learning and Online (Non-) Convex Optimization.

Job requirements

Basic Qualifications

• Master’s degree in: Computer Science, Machine Learning, Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, or related fields.
• Mathematical Foundations: Strong knowledge of optimization techniques such as linear programming, convex optimization and combinatorial optimization. Proficiency in linear algebra, probability and statistics.
• Programming Skills: Hands-on experience with one or more languages such as Python, Java, C++ or Julia; and experience in evaluating algorithms on large and/or real-world datasets.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English (subject to TU Delft eligibility criteria).

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in the transportation, logistics or other related industry.
• Familiarity with commercial optimization tools such as CPLEX, Gurobi, or XPRESS.
• Research experience and publications in relevant topics.
• Experience working with real-world datasets and big data technologies (e.g., Hadoop, Map-Reduce).

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) 

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. 

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration. 

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science 

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science. 

Conditions of employment 
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met. 

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. 

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.  

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Additional information

These PhD positions are part of Project Hermes, a collaboration between TU Delft and Amazon, aimed at designing the next generation of transportation networks and logistic systems. Successful candidates will be supervised by Dr. G. Iosifidis in close cooperation with the Amazon Science Team, EU Logistics, that is led by Dr. Georgios Paschos.   

The successful applicants will have access to real-world problems, industry insights, mentorship, and internship opportunities. They will join a dynamic, inclusive, and stimulating environment, to work on innovative theoretical advancements with tangible industry and societal impact, at the intersection of Transportation and Computer Science disciplines.

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. G. Iosifidis, via g.iosifidis@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 12 Jan 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter

You can address your application to Dr. G. Iosifidis.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements. 

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• A knowledge security check will be part of the selection procedure (for details page 45: national knowledge security guidelines).
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.