PhD position on Hybrid Methods for Sequential Decision-Making Based on Operation Research and Reinforcement Learning

In the past years, Deep Reinforcement Learning methods integrated with planning methods have been very successful in solving complex Sequential Decision Problems, e.g., in games such as Go. These methods can handle very large state spaces, however, less so large action spaces.

The proposed PhD research project aims to develop new hybrid solution approaches for (stochastic) Sequential Decision Problems with discrete, high-dimensional, and linearly constrained decision spaces as often encountered in Operations Research. To this end, the PhD student will integrate (Deep) Reinforcement Learning methods into traditional Operations Research methods, such as Rolling Horizon approaches using Stochastic Programming. In this way, at the time of decision-making, we combine planning by looking ahead and learning from previous experience. We aim to provide theoretical and empirical results, showing the superiority of the new methods compared to the state of the art in terms of computation at the time of decision-making and the quality of the solution. We will transition from problems with known dynamics to (partly) unknown dynamics. Therefore, we will explore solution strategies that transition from robust optimization to distributionally robust optimization and finally to stochastic optimization.

The PhD student will implement the algorithms and apply them to real-world use cases in Healthcare Logistics, such as multi-appointment scheduling, surgery scheduling, and resource allocation in times of scarce healthcare capacity. Therefore, the PhD student will also be part of the inter-faculty group CHOIR (Centre for Healthcare Operations Improvement and Research). CHOIR is a research center within the UT, and it is currently one of the most active and productive research groups in the field of Operations Research and Management in Healthcare. Through Research, Education, and Valorization, we help healthcare practitioners face their complex logistical challenges.

Your profile

You have acquired a Master's degree in mathematics, operations research, econometrics, industrial engineering, or a closely related discipline.

You are an enthusiastic and highly motivated researcher.

You have a creative mindset and excellent analytical and communication skills.

You have a good team spirit and like to work in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment.

You are proficient in English.

The UT and the faculty EEMCS are inclusive toward underrepresented groups and strive to increase the proportion of female staff. Female applicants are particularly welcome.

Our offer

As a PhD candidate at UT, you will be appointed to a full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, within a very stimulating and exciting scientific environment;

The University offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues;

Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU);

You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2.770,- (first year) to € 3.539,- (fourth year);

There are excellent benefits, including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme;

The flexibility to work (partially) from home;

A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.

Free access to sports facilities on campus

A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid);

You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision;

We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other staff.

Information and application

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before March 25, 2024 , and include:

A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4) emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, and motivations to apply for this position.

A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications and references.

A copy of your Master's thesis or, if it is not yet available, an outline and summary of your thesis.

An IELTS-test, Internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT), or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE). Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS-test showing a total band score of at least 6.5, internet. TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact (Anne Zander, [email protected])

About the department

The position will be in the Applied Mathematics department. The Applied Mathematics department has an active research portfolio in stochastic operations research, algorithmic discrete mathematics, complex networks, statistics, systems theory, computational science, and artificial intelligence with applications in health care, energy systems, traffic, and imaging. See MOR and SACS, and MDS for information.

Our research group, Stochastic Operations Research (SOR), conducts mathematical education and research of internationally high standards in the areas of stochastic processes and mathematics of operations research to contribute to the development of mathematics in a multidisciplinary engineering environment and contribute to a better understanding and functioning of our increasingly complex society. See SOR.

About the organisation

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.

Want to know more? Zander, A.B. (Anne)

Assistant Professor

Zander, A.B. (Anne)

Assistant Professor

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Anne for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

Contact

Phone:+31534897630

Email:[email protected]

How to apply Step 1

Apply. When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

Step 2

Selection. The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

Step 3

1st interview. The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

Step 4

2nd interview. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

Step 5

The offer. If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer.

Your Colleagues

Boelens, F.A. (Femke)

Personal page

Dijkstra, S. (Sander)

Personal page

Overmars, M.G. (Maik)

Personal page

Our mission Human Touch

At the UT it's all about people, in line with our university's High Tech Human Touch philosophy. In everything we do, the well-being and future of our students and staff are paramount. From research and teaching to personnel management, campus management and the use of new technologies.

Our mission We are a university of technology

Our university is a public institution that serves society. We are accountable to society for the ways in which we use our academic freedom. We are responsible for ensuring that the power of science and technology is harnessed to achieve the best possible impact in a changing world. We cherish our rich tradition of combining technical and social sciences in our five profiling themes: Improving healthcare by personalized technologies; Creating intelligent manufacturing systems; Shaping our world with smart materials; Engineering our digital society; and Engineering for a resilient world.

Our mission We help to strengthen society

We help society meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. But we are also transparent about what science and technology can and cannot do in finding sustainable solutions. And help translate these solutions into everyday life.

Our mission We are sustainable

We want our communities to flourish and show resilience, so we seize opportunities for innovation. We are knowledgeable and have an eye for what society needs. Our students and staff receive all the guidance they need in their quest for ecological, social and economic sustainability. “The University of Twente is all about people. Our sustainable technologies help to strengthen society.”

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