Postdoc in Stochastic Optimization for Maritime Logistics - DTU Management

DTU - Technical University of Denmark; Kongens Lyngby; On-site; DKK 640,000 - 720,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU - Technical University of Denmark in Copenhagen hosts the SCRUB project, advancing robust scheduling and routing for bulk carriers under uncertainty. You will craft optimization models, integrate industry data, and contribute to scientific publications.

This role blends theory with real-world impact, anchored in a leading technical university environment. The project emphasizes collaboration, interdisciplinary work, and delivering robust methods for industrial operators, with a focus on

Qualifications

• As part of the SCRUB project, you will develop optimization models and solution algorithms for robust scheduling and routing.
• Strong expertise in mathematical optimization and large-scale algorithm design.
• Knowledge of decision making under uncertainty.
• Exposure to machine learning methods is desirable.
• A passion for research and for solving real industrial challenges.
• Excellent programming and collaboration skills.
• Fluency in English (spoken and written).

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced optimization models and solution algorithms for robust scheduling and routing of bulk carriers.
• Collaborate with industry partners to integrate real data into models.
• Publish research findings and contribute to project deliverables.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team activities and college-wide seminars.

Skills

Mathematical optimization

Large-scale algorithms

Uncertainty decision making

Machine learning exposure

Programming skills

Collaboration

Fluent English

Education

PhD degree

Job description

Job Description

Bulk shipping plays a vital role in global trade, transporting commodities such as iron ore, coal, grain, and fertilizer. Unlike liner shipping, bulk vessels operate without fixed schedules or predetermined routes, requiring operators to continuously adapt vessel deployments and cargo assignments to changing market opportunities and operational constraints. These planning decisions are further complicated by a range of uncertainties, including weather conditions, port operations, and cargo-specific requirements. A critical but often overlooked challenge is the uncertainty associated with cargo hold cleaning and the associated inspection processes, which can significantly affect vessel schedules, operational costs, and emissions

SCRUB (Scheduling, Cleaning and Routing under Uncertainty in Bulk Shipping) is a 2-year research project that aims to develop novel mathematical models and decision-support tools that explicitly account for uncertainties related to cleaning operations, inspection outcomes, weather conditions, and other operational processes. The project will combine real-world industry data and close collaboration with a Danish bulk shipping company to develop advanced optimization and analytics methods that improve routing, scheduling, and fleet utilization decisions while enhancing the robustness of operational schedules in the presence of uncertainty.

SCRUB is funded by the Danish Maritime Fund and involves collaboration with leading shipping companies in Denmark.

Based in Copenhagen - consistently ranked among the world's most liveable cities - you'll enjoy a high quality of life, a safe and sustainable urban environment, and a thriving cultural scene. At the same time, you'll be part of a vibrant, interdisciplinary research community at one of Europe's top technical universities, known for its commitment to innovation, societal impact, and diversity.

Responsibilities And Qualifications

As part of the SCRUB project, you will develop advanced optimization models and solution algorithms for robust scheduling and routing of bulk carriers under operational uncertainty. We are looking for candidates with:

• Strong expertise in mathematical optimization
• Experience with large-scale algorithm design and implementation
• Knowledge of decision making under uncertainty
• Ideally, some exposure to machine learning methods
• A passion for research and for pushing the scientific frontiers.
• A desire to work with real industrial challenges.
• Excellent programming skills.
• Good collaboration skills.
• Fluent in English, spoken as well as written.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and terms of employment

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU's salary structure for scientific staff: https://www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures

The period of employment is 2 years (24 months). Starting date is 1 January 2026 (or according to mutual agreement).

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor, Richard Lusby (DTU), tel.: [phone], email: [e-mail]

You can read more at www.man.dtu.dk

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU - Moving to Denmark.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Management

DTU Management conducts excellent research at the intersection of management, technology and economics. We develop solutions in close cooperation with companies and public authorities. Our research aims at strengthening welfare, productivity and sustainability within society. A key element is the role of technology and its interaction with industry and individuals. The department offers a wide range of courses and programs at bachelor, master, and PhD levels across DTU's study programs. The department has 200+ employees with around half of the staff coming from abroad.

DTU - For the benefit of society since 1829

DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.