PhD Position in Qualitative Modelling for Just-in-Time Port Call Optimization

The Department of Technology and Innovation University of Southern Denmark in Odense (SDU), invites for applications to a 3-year PhD position with teaching obligations on the topic of sector. The starting time of the position is as soon as possible, and the location is at SDU’s main campus in Odense.

The application deadline is the 10 March 2024 at 23.59 (CET/CEST) 

Project Description

The PhD-position is allocated to the Horizon 2020 EU-funded project MISSION (“MaritIme juSt in time optimiSatION), which deals with the following challenge:

A widespread problem that leads to avoidable fuel consumption and related CO2 emissions is ships hurrying up to get to the next port of arrival and terminal in time to be on top of the queue, and ships queuing outside the port area due to delays in berth readiness and/or ship arrival times. According to a report from the International Maritime Organization, ships may spend 5-10% of their time waiting to enter a port. The unnecessary higher speed and subsequent waiting time with auxiliary engines running result in significantly increased fuel consumption causing environmental and economic challenges.

To amend this, a consortium with 30 partners of European universities, ports, shipping companies, and technology firms have joined forced to find a solution. The partners aim to develop a new communication, and logistics platform for shipping. The platform aims to make maritime traffic more efficient and ensure that ships arrive at their destination port only when port services and a berth is available ­– just in time. 

The essential part of the project is to enhance and assure timely communication and that the right information is provided to the right people to the right time in the right format. Even in our time of digitization and information sharing on mobile or other devices, it is tricky to get this information as the maritime supply chain is highly complex. The aim of the project is to provide solutions that can be integrated into existing systems and are able to calculate and provide this information based on terminology and calculation methods defined by agreed standards. This involves artificial intelligence and data science solutions, simulation studies, IT-solutions, as well as behavioral, contractual, and organizational change management. With this, we expect a realistic fuel consumption by up to 23% on the overall ship voyage and port call including the shore side. 

The solution’s effectiveness will also be demonstrated as part of the project. This applies for container ships, RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) vessels which allow direct cargo rolling, and tramp shipping, mainly consisting of tankers and bulk carriers.

The promising PhD candidate will work with demonstration cases that measure and show how much CO2-emissions can be saved and how operations can run smoother with updated information about operation event times. Tools to be employed and scientific areas to be regarded range from simulation in Anylogic (or similar) to operations research, statistical & machine learning, IT-systems & software engineering, as well as economics including sustainability aspects in maritime operations. 

The PhD candidate will have a certain amount of freedom to pick and shape the research effort in directions of own interest within the scope of MISSION. The candidate is expected to work with relevant consortium partners, e.g., gathering data, align efforts, and sharing findings with these.

The successful PhD candidate will:

• conduct application-oriented research and studies with MISSION consortium partners.
• conduct research and innovation in the corresponding research area, covering the before-mentioned activities.
• work closely with key stakeholders in the MISSION project.
• publish and present academic work both at international conferences and in scientific journals.
• take part in teaching and supervision activities in the field of operations and supply chain management, operations research, modelling and simulation, data science, ship operations and maritime logistics.

Qualifications

The successful candidate should demonstrate the following qualifications:

• MSc degree (equivalent to a Danish master's degree) in industrial engineering, computer science, software engineering, operations management, maritime or logistics studies or equivalent                            
• Skilled in data-driven analytics and mathematical modelling/optimization, preferable in Anylogic, Python, R, and/or Julia.
• Be comfortable with various programming languages and willingness to learn new if needed.
• Very good written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge about maritime operations is an advantage.
• Willingness to do applied science and support project team, industrial partners, and overall research project progress.
• Interest in longer term commitment to a growing research group.
• Willingness to work with students and to contribute to teaching / supervision of (master) students.
• Comfortability with working both independently and within an international team.
• Fluency in English, both spoken and written.

Contact

Further information is available from Associate Professor Julia Pahl, phone: +45 93 50 70 81, e-mail: jpiti.sdu.dk.

If you experience technical problems, you must contact hcm-supportsdu.dk.

Application procedure

Before applying the candidates are expected to read the Faculty information for prospective PhD students, SDU information on How to apply, and Faculty information on How to apply – Academic staff.

The application must include the following:

• Motivated personal application. 
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• Verified copies of the official bachelor diploma and master's diploma and transcripts of exams, both the original documents and in professional English translation.
• Completed TEK PhD application form for 5+3 applicants. Find the form at the Faculty website.
• Completed TEK PhD form for calculation grade point average. Find the form at the Faculty website. 
• An official document describing the grading scheme of the awarding universities (if not Danish). 
• For applicants from programmes that evaluate thesis/examination project by approved/not approved: Please submit an official and verified written assessment of the thesis or dissertation project from the grade giving institution. The statement must clearly state that the candidate has been among the top 30 pct. in the graduation class for the study programme.

Please also include:

• References, you're welcome to use the form for reference letter at the Faculty website.
• List of publications and maximum 2 examples of relevant publications (in case you have any publications).

Applications received after the deadline or outside the official recruitment portal will neither be considered nor evaluated.

Assessment and selection process

Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee or an expert. Shortlisting may be used. Only shortlisted candidates will be assessed. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the faculty. Interviews and tests may be part of the selection process.   

Conditions of employment

Applicants must hold a master’s degree (equivalent to a Danish master's degree) at the time of enrollment and employment. 

Employment of a PhD Fellow can only happen after the PhD School has approved the candidate for admission. Employment and enrollment will cease without further notice at the end of the period. A PhD Fellow is not allowed to have any kind of sideline employment, while enrolled as PhD Fellow at the faculty.

Employment as a PhD Fellow is a 3-year salaried position and is governed by the Protocol on PhD Research Fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information about salary and conditions of employment. 

The successful candidate will be enrolled at SDU in accordance with Faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order). 

The application deadline is the 10 March 2024 at 23.59 (CET/CEST) 

Formalities

• All files must be in English.
• Documents should not contain a CPR number (civil registration number) – in this case, the CPR number must be crossed out.
• The application and CV must not exceed 10 MB. 

The University of Southern Denmark wishes to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.