The collaborative and climate-focused research project COM2HEAT is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, with a strong consortium with multiple companies and knowledge institutes. The project’s aim is to advance research and technology in heat energy ecosystems. We focus on the design, production, installation and operation of collective heating systems built entirely of composite material. The system aspects of this project are cross-company and sector-wide. Stakeholders from the value chain work together in this unique consortium; the end users, the design and service companies, the composite manufacturing companies and academics. A top-down framework of system requirements will be developed and then the essential subsystems and components will be developed with necessary new manufacturing technology. The composite subsystems are functionally tested and then integrated in Rijswijk and Schiebroek to test the physical interfaces and perform system flow tests.
We will be responsible for modeling and forecasting the supply-demand matching of the heat network, considering its multi-stage nature and the potential uncertainties that may arise. This research will allow us to make informed decisions about optimal investments, including determining the most appropriate pipe capacities and placements, as well as operational decisions such as energy routing. Additionally, understanding the interaction of the heat system with other sectors, especially electricity, is of critical importance.

Your main tasks

• Develop models
• Implement results
• Write academic papers and reports
• Attend meetings and co-ordinate with consortium members

You have:

• a PhD in economics, operation management, computer science, electrical/computer/mechanical/industrial engineering, management science, physics/mathematics, information systems, or related fields
• experience in machine learning and AI, predictive models, optimisation, and energy systems.

Your required competences

• Strong commitment to high-quality research as well as evidence of your ability to conduct impactful work and to publish in top journals
• Strong communication skills
• Comfortable with Python
• Openness, intellectual curiosity, eagerness to learn, and a willingness to be proven wrong
• Experienced in writing scientific papers
• Experienced in leading research projects.

Fixed-term contract: 24 months.

The starting date could be as early as Sept 1st , 2023 and as late as Jan 1st, 2024, depending on the availability of the candidates. It is a full-time position. We prefer that you come to the office in Rotterdam to work, but we are flexible if you prefer to work from home up to three days a week.

The conditions of employment correspond with the collective labour agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU).

Salary follows standard Dutch scales for post-doc positions with small adjustments subject to training and experience.

Erasmus University has attractive employment conditions, which include a holiday allowance of 8 per cent, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3 per cent, and a considerate amount of vacation days.

EUR offers all employees an annual personal career budget which can be used to advance your skills and competences. There are lots of training, development and coaching opportunities at EUR too.

Rotterdam School of Management Erasmus University

Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) is one of Europe’s top-ranked business schools. RSM provides ground-breaking research and education furthering excellence in all aspects of management and is based in the international port city of Rotterdam – a vital nexus of business, logistics and trade. RSM’s primary focus is on developing business leaders with international careers who can become a force for positive change by carrying their innovative mindset into a sustainable future. Our first-class range of bachelor, master, MBA, PhD and executive programmes encourage them to become critical, creative, caring and collaborative thinkers and doers. Study information and activities for future students, executives and alumni are also organised from the RSM office in Chengdu, China. www.rsm.nl

RSM is a faculty of Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR). EUR is an internationally oriented university with a strong social orientation in its education and research. Our scientists and students work in close collaboration with internal and external parties to solve global, social challenges, inspired by the always dynamic and cosmopolitan Rotterdam. Our mission is therefore "Creating positive societal impact". Our academic education is intensive, active and application-oriented. Our research increasingly takes place in multidisciplinary teams, which are strongly intertwined with international networks. With our research impact and thanks to the high quality of education, EUR can compete with the top European universities. The Erasmian values function as our internal compass and make Erasmus University recognizable to the outside world: engaged with society, world citizen, connecting, entrepreneurial and open-minded. www.eur.nl