PhD on Revenue Management for Complex Stochastic Systems – Eindhoven, Netherlands

Position PhD-student

Irène Curie Fellowship No

Department(s) Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences

FTE 1,0

Date off 09/06/2024

Reference number V39.7474

Job description

Today, many companies in various industries need to manage highly complex stochastic systems where uncertainties are inherent and data is ubiquitous. These systems span various domains, from manufacturing equipment, to rental systems, to production systems and beyond. In such environments, decisions must be made repeatedly to maximize profits while balancing conflicting outcomes and exploiting real-time data. For instance, in manufacturing operations, decisions regarding production speeds directly impact production outputs on the one hand, and factors such as equipment deterioration and energy consumption on the other hand. Similarly, in rental systems, optimizing pricing strategies to match real-time demand with supply is crucial for revenue maximization.

Given these complexities, there’s a growing demand for advanced methodologies and algorithms aimed at devising revenue management strategies for complex stochastic systems. Leveraging the increasing availability of data and the seamless connectivity facilitated by the Internet of Things, these methodologies and algorithms capitalize on real-time data accumulation for instant decision-making. This PhD position presents an exciting opportunity to study revenue optimization problems for complex stochastic systems in various industries. This could involve everything from tractably modeling new revenue management problems to devising provably (near-)optimal algorithms to solve the established ones.

In this position you will work in the team of Zumbul Atan and be co-supervised by Collin Drent and Melvin Drent. Collin and Melvin, both assistant professors, specialize in stochastic decision-making under uncertainty, with applications in supply chain management, manufacturing, and maintenance. Zumbul Atan, an associate professor, focuses on revenue management and retail operations, with a particular emphasis on circularity.

Job requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) with excellent grades in Operations Research, (Applied) Mathematics, Industrial Engineering, or related field. A research master’s degree (e.g., MRes, MPhil) is not required; however, graduating from a program with solid research training will be considered a plus.
• A strong mathematical background, including expertise in stochastic optimization (e.g. Markov decision theory and dynamic programming) and applied probability (Bayesian statistics).
• Excellent coding skills (e.g., in Java, Python, Julia, MATLAB).
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to be self-propelling and drive your own research.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

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 P (min. €2,770 max. €3,539).
• 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.

Eindhoven and its metropolitan area are the major hub of the technology sector in the Netherlands, collectively known as the Brainport region. Many global leaders in technology like ASML or Philips are based in the fastest growing region in the Netherlands. The School of Industrial Engineering and its faculty enjoys strong links with the local high-tech industry on all levels.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact Zumbul Atan, email: z.atan@tue.nl, Melvin Drent, email: m.drent@tue.nl, or Collin Drent, email: c.drent@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HRServices.IEIS@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 a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Brief research statement (max. 1.5 page) explaining your envisioned research direction related to the position in more detail, including a brief review of the literature you find relevant, the contributions you would like to make to this literature, and the research methods you would like to use.
• Curriculum vitae (including the contact details of two academics from a relevant field which we may contact as a reference).
• An academic paper (e.g., master thesis or article) that showcases your academic writing.
• Complete list of courses taken within your educational programs and grades obtained.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.