Doctoral researcher in optimization and learning for improved railway operations
ETH Zurich
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Doctoral researcher in optimization and learning for improved railwayoperations
100%, Zurich, fixed-termprint Drucken
Despite the excellent quality of public transport systems in Switzerland, the railway system needs to increase its performance (quality, for instance, travel time) and capacity (amount of services run) and attract more travellers to match the ambitious targets from policy and environmental goals. One key aspect of traditional railway transport systems is their plan, which is based on predetermined routes, lines, and scheduled times, with little possibility of adjusting to unplanned and unexpected circumstances. The project focuses on optimal planning and rescheduling of railway operations.
To do so, large-scale optimisation, typically MILP (Mixed Integer Linear Programming) approaches are used, but they scale poorly and are somehow not directly applicable in industrial practice. To approach those gaps, it is crucial to learn the real-life constraints, and exploiting advanced computational methods (including pre-computation and/or machine learning) to make the solution process faster and consistently optimal. This position is to address this gap, together with the two largest industrial players in this field in Switzerland.
Project backgroundThe project is designed in close collaboration with industry players operating as providers of control systems or as railway infrastructure managers. The project expects interaction with their existing systems, considering their ultimate customers, i.e. the transport operators. Integration in the optimisation team of the industrial partners is envisaged, which can also include part-time work at their site
Job descriptionThe focus of this project is to understand how to find and generate solutions better and faster for the problem of temporal planning of railways. This challenge involves timetabling and rescheduling problems, potentially also considering the rerouting of trains on the network. For those problems, standard mathematical models exist. The research needs to
1) extend the understanding of the domain-related objectives, to grasp the complexity of the real-life decisions by human controllers;
2) improve the solution of large-scale scheduling and routing problems by novel algorithmic, pre-computation, and/or machine learning approaches, which are used in decision support systems.
3) to quantitatively understand the usefulness of the suggested decision compared to the actions actually implemented in real life, to tune and improve the solution process.
The ultimate objective is to have a better, faster decision; and precisely understand what “better” means and how it can be mathematically modelled.
Your profileIdeally, you have (or are about to receive) a Masters' degree in transport sciences, management/ decision sciences, econometrics, mathematics, statistics, computer science, physics, or related fields.
Your research track is consistent and shows a track record, or clear potential, for modelling, control, and optimisation of transport systems. You are highly motivated and self-driven, with a clear research vision, academic ambition, and excellent communication and writing skills (fluent spoken and written English is mandatory). Moreover, the following skills are expected of a promising candidate:
You enjoy working in an interactive international environment with doctoral students, post-docs, and senior scientists, referring continuously to practical problems and solutions.
Your workplace Your workplace We offerETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits.
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We value diversityIn line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.
Curious? So are we.We look forward to receiving your online application by 10.10.2023 including the following documents:
The selection will be based on a multi-step application process.
Furthermore, we aim to maintain and expand our diversity and thus, we encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply. After a first selection, potential candidates will be contacted for a final selection, which will be based on the candidates' qualifications as well as on a personal interview with the supervisors.
This position will be available, with an ideal starting date between February 2024 and April 2024, or further upon agreement; the planned duration of the initial contract is 18 months, after which an aptitude colloquium will determine the further continuation of the project. The total doctoral project is expected to be finished in 4 years in total.
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
For further information about the institute and the group please visit our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Dr. Francesco Corman by email [email protected] (no applications).
About ETH ZürichETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.
Curious? So are we.We look forward to receiving your online application by 10.10.2023 including the following documents:
The selection will be based on a multi-step application process.
Furthermore, we aim to maintain and expand our diversity and thus, we encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply. After a first selection, potential candidates will be contacted for a final selection, which will be based on the candidates' qualifications as well as on a personal interview with the supervisors.
This position will be available, with an ideal starting date between February 2024 and April 2024, or further upon agreement; the planned duration of the initial contract is 18 months, after which an aptitude colloquium will determine the further continuation of the project. The total doctoral project is expected to be finished in 4 years in total.
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
For further information about the institute and the group please visit our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Dr. Francesco Corman by email [email protected] (no applications).
Apply online now
About ETH ZürichETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.
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