"Postdoc in Applied Planning and Scheduling under Uncertainty"

Job Description

This post-doctoral position focuses on developing fundamental algorithmic advances for dynamic planning and scheduling in multi-objective supply-chain management. The emphasis is on uncertainty-aware algorithmic innovation, applied to the complex logistics of offshore energy supply chains. These supply chains involve tightly interdependent stages, and strong sensitivity to environmental and weather conditions.

In the current state of the art, multi-objective planning and scheduling must integrate diverse and often conflicting decision perspectives. This creates a growing need for decision-support models grounded in effective, efficient and scalable algorithms, including advanced AI and machine learning approaches.

In this position, you will design, implement, and mature such algorithmic methods, moving them toward practical use in offshore wind-farm installation planning. You will lead research on scalability, dynamic re-planning, and disruption-aware control strategies within complex, uncertain supply-chain environments. The specific methodological direction is open and will be shaped collaboratively with both academic researchers and industrial partners.

The successful applicant will join the STAR Lab at TU Delft’s Faculty of Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, working closely with the Sequential Decision Making Group in the same faculty.

This research is part of the RVO-funded project “Efficient From Fabrication to Installation of Large Offshore Assembled Turbines”. As part of this project, you will collaborate directly with industrial partners such as Boskalis, with your time divided between TU Delft’s campus and the Boskalis office in Papendrecht.

Job Requirements

When you start this postdoc position:

• You have a background in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Applied Mathematics or Econometrics, with a clear specialization in algorithms for planning, scheduling and/or supply-chain management.
• You hold a PhD degree, or you have formally submitted your PhD dissertation.
• You have experience working on industrial projects, or you have demonstrated substantial collaboration with companies during your research.
• You are highly motivated to advance and apply state-of-the-art algorithmic and AI methods to real-world planning and scheduling problems.
• You have excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
• Knowledge of Dutch is helpful but not required.

About TU Delft

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Conditions of Employment

• Duration of contract is 24 months.
• A job of 36-40 hours per week.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.
• Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional Information

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. N. Yorke-Smith or Prof.dr. M.T.J. Spaan.

Application Procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than January 5 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter

You can address your application to Dr. N. Yorke-Smith.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.