Postdoctoral Researcher in Operations Management

Job Description

Today, companies across a wide range of industries face the challenge of managing increasingly complex stochastic systems, where uncertainty is inherent and data is abundant. These systems arise in diverse domains—such as manufacturing, rental platforms, and production systems—where decision-making must balance conflicting objectives, leverage real-time data, and ultimately support sustainable profitability.

Examples include optimizing production speeds to balance output, equipment deterioration, and energy consumption in manufacturing, or designing dynamic pricing and allocation policies in rental systems to match supply with fluctuating demand. Similarly, in inventory management, determining replenishment and allocation strategies under demand uncertainty is central to ensuring both efficiency and service quality.

To address these challenges, advanced methodologies and algorithms are needed to design effective revenue and inventory management strategies for complex stochastic systems. The growing availability of data and connectivity through the Internet of Things create new opportunities to incorporate real-time insights into decision-making, combining tractable modelling with provably efficient solution methods.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will have the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research on revenue management and/or inventory management problems within complex stochastic systems. Your work may involve formulating new models, analysing structural properties, and developing innovative algorithms with both theoretical rigor and practical relevance.

Job Requirements

• Motivated researcher with a PhD degree in Operations Research, (Applied) Mathematics, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• A strong mathematical background, including expertise in stochastic optimization (e.g. Markov decision theory and dynamic programming) and applied probability (Bayesian statistics).  
• Excellent coding skills (e.g., in Java, Python, Julia, MATLAB).
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
• Ability to be self-propelling and drive your own research.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for 2.5 years. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 4,241 max. € 5,538).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

Eindhoven and its metropolitan area are the major hub of the technology sector in the Netherlands, collectively known as the Brainport region. Many global leaders in technology like ASML or Philips are based in the fastest growing region in the Netherlands. The School of Industrial Engineering and its faculty enjoys strong links with the local high-tech industry on all levels. 

Information 

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact Zumbul Atan (email: z.atan@tue.nl), Melvin Drent (email: m.drent@tue.nl), or Collin Drent (email: c.drent@tue.nl).

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HRadvice.IEIS@tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.
• List of up to five self-selected ‘best publications’.
• Description of your scientific interests and plans (1-2 pages).
• Statement of your teaching goals and experience (1-2 pages).

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.