PhD Studentship - Integrated Simulation of Multi-modal Transport links in Port Operations (Engineering Department Funded)

University of Exeter - Department of Engineering

Global ports are critical nodes in international supply chains, yet multi-modal integration remains a significant bottleneck affecting efficiency and environmental performance. Growing cargo volumes, decarbonisation targets, and infrastructure constraints require sophisticated decision-support tools to optimise the coordination between maritime, rail, and road transport modes.

Research Question: How can integrated discrete event simulation models improve strategic decision-making for multi-modal transport coordination, infrastructure planning, and operational policy design in port operations?

This PhD studentship will develop discrete event simulation models calibrated with real operational data from port partners. Day-to-day activities will include data collection and analysis, simulation model development and validation, scenario testing for different operational policies, and collaboration with industry stakeholders to ensure practical applicability of research findings.

This funded PhD scholarship is suitable for students with a background in Engineering, Mathematics, Operations Research and Computer Science. Students with strong quantitative and analytical skills, programming experience, and genuine interest in optimisation, complex systems modelling, and real-world problem-solving are encouraged to apply. Programming experience and analytical skills are desirable.

The studentship will be awarded on the basis of merit. Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply, but should note that the award will only provide payment for Home fees and stipend.

International applicants need to be aware that they will have to cover the cost of their student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD.

The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Please apply via the ‘Apply’ button above.