Postdoc in COLLECT: Horizontal COoperation in urban distribution Logistics

Information about the research
In this project, we assume a trusted consolidator (vehicle manufacturer) incentives distributors to (fully or partially) cooperate and share client related information (position, load) with the consolidator. The trusted consolidator synchronizes deliveries with the help of a coordinated route design method. Our intention is not to minimize distance (like in traditional Vehicle Routing Problems, VRP), but to solve an electric VRP (EVRP) to minimize energy subjected to delivery time windows, charging, and other constraints. We will introduce different levels of cooperation and hence define multiple levels of horizontal cooperation (fully, partially, or non-cooperative solutions). We will quantify the effect of co-routing algorithms in terms of costs (and other KPIs). We will cluster KPIs to reflect supplier related (low level, e.g. delivery delay, energy usage) and system related (high level, e.g. total unused and cumulated capacity) metrics. Understanding/connecting sustainable business models to cooperative route optimization is a desired background/task. 

This joint project between two Divisions (Systems and Control, E2 and Supply and Operation Management, TME) has been funded by the Transport Area of Advance, Chalmers. The successful candidate will be seated in the Automatic Control group (division of SYSCON, department of E2).

The Automatic Control Group (within the Division of Systems and Control) focuses on applications in the transportation and energy sectors whilst having a long tradition in robust, optimal control design solutions.

The Supply and Operation Management Division conducts research in logistics, supply chain management, operations management and industrial marketing and purchasing belonging to the Department of TME).

Chalmers University of Technology is located in Gothenburg on the scenic west coast of Sweden. It is among the top research schools in Europe. The research environment is international, and English is the working language.

Major responsibilities
The appointment offers great opportunities to qualify for further research positions within academia or industry as we have numerous ongoing collaborations with the leading groups internationally. A monthly salary is paid. The postdoctor's major responsibilities are to elaborate new methods, publish and present them, and be part of proposal writing.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of two years (1+1).

Qualifications
The applicant should have a PhD degree in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Transportation Science, Operations research, Control, or similar. Excellent presentation skills, and fluency in English are required. Skills in operational research, optimization, and statistics are essential, Experience with machine learning methods, namely reinforcement learning transfer learning, and mixed-methods are advantageous.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

PLEASE READ MORE AND APPLY HERE.

Application deadline: 1 September, 2021

For questions, please contact:
Balazs Kulcsar,
Automatic Control Group, Systems and Control Division, E2
kulcsar@chalmers.se

Ala Arvidsson,
Supply and Operations Management, TME
ala.arvidsson@chalmers.se

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!