Project details: Redistributing surplus food from sources like supermarkets to those in need, such as through food banks, is essential for reducing food waste and advancing the goal of a hunger-free world. Given the unique context and characteristics of food, redistribution efforts face distinct challenges. Moreover, these operations are often run by volunteer organizations with limited resources, which further amplifies these challenges.
This PhD project aims to address these challenges, particularly arising in the allocation, scheduling and routing of the foods to be redistributed. The primary objective of this project is to develop innovative redistribution models that will enhance the efficient and equitable redistribution of foods. The secondary objective of this project is to develop solution methodologies to tackle real-life scenarios considering the redistribution models to be developed.
Please be aware that candidates have the option to select their own subject of study if mutually agreed upon.
Expected qualifications: Applications are welcome from those with a master’s degree in either operations research, industrial engineering, management science, mathematics, computer science, or similar fields. Candidates with a keen interest in combinatorial optimization, multi-objective optimization and heuristic/matheuristic algorithms are particularly encouraged to apply. Experience with commercial optimization solvers (e.g., Cplex, Gurobi) is also a plus.
Funding eligibility: EU and non-EU students holding a master’s degree are equally eligible.
Funding amount: This position comes with a waiver for PhD tuition fees. The stipend for this position is €22,000 per annum, with additional funds available for research costs.
Expected starting date: At the earliest opportunity.
Closing date: There is no deadline (considerations of applications will continue on an ongoing basis).
Required documents and their submission: Required application documents include a CV, a cover letter and two (preferably academic) reference letters. Interested candidates can submit their application by forwarding the required documents to [email protected].