Developing decision-support models for improving a food bank’s supply chain

You will be guided in performing your research with the aim of obtaining a PhD. The research topic is situated in the domain of humanitarian logistics. Supply chain management is crucial for the efficient operations of humanitarian organizations. The specific focus of this PhD research will lie on developing decision-support models for improving a food bank’s supply chain. You communicate your results by publishing in international journals, by presenting at international conferences and seminars and through international research stays. You will be part of a dynamic research group with national and international contacts, and you will continuously have the opportunity to further professionalize, for example through the courses offered by the Doctoral School of Behavioral Sciences & Humanities. Finally, you may contribute to the teaching activities of the discipline group Quantitative Methods (e.g., preparing and correcting exams, teaching practice sessions, supporting master theses and business projects).

The research group Logistics focuses on analyzing and optimizing problems of practical relevance concerning supply chain management, distribution logistics and transportation. Aspects related to both efficiency and sustainability (e.g., worker well-being) are considered. Methodologically, both quantitative methods (e.g., mathematical programming, computer simulation, (meta)heuristics) and qualitative approaches (e.g., interviews) are applied.

• You have obtained an academic Master with quantitative focus, such as Master in Business Engineering, Master in Business and Information Systems Engineering, Master in Engineering, Master in Industrial Engineering, Master in Computer Science (or equivalent)
  Final-year students are (likewise) encouraged to apply.
• You dispose of outstanding problem solving capacity.
• A background in business economics, and more specifically in transport or logistics, is an asset.
• You work independently, you are result oriented and you dispose of excellent organisational skills.
• You have a critical attitude as a researcher.
• You dispose of very good communicative skills.
• You are cooperative and can work well in teams.
• You have a good knowledge of English. Knowledge of Dutch is an asset.

You will be appointed and paid as PhD student.
Doctoral grant for four years (on the condition of a positive evaluation after 2 years).

The selection procedure consists of a preselection based on application file and an interview.