The challenge of this project is to support experts in automated planning systems, so that they could understand the algorithmic decisions, and to support their prompt reaction to real-world disruptions.

We believe in the hidden potential of synergies between formal and learning-based methods. You will conduct both theoretical and empirical research. You can choose to primarily focus on one of these aspects or their intersection. We envision the project to have both significant scientific and practical impact for the Dutch Railways.

You will be part of the Algorithmics Group in the Department of Software Technology of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science. In the Algorithmics group, we aim to design, and understand fundamental properties of, planning and coordination algorithms for intelligent decision making in real-world applications. As member of the group, you will reinforce and extend the groups research activities in the emergent interdisciplinary field combining formal methods and machine learning. The Algorithmics group has a long-standing track record in the area of artificial intelligence. Our research output is supported by several awards and by numerous conference papers at IJCAI, AAAI, AAMAS, and ECAI, as well as CAV, TACAS, CPSWeek, and ATVA. In addition, you will collaborate with experts at the Dutch Railways and ProRail and four PhD students addressing other aspects of robust automation in this domain.

To be the successful candidate, you should

• have a Masters degree in computer science, information/computer/software engineering, mathematics or closely related studies,
• have firm mathematical foundations in control/formal methods/optimization/algorithm design,
• have prior experience with deep learning and statistical analysis,
• have strong programming skills,
• are proficient in written and spoken English,
• are a proactive individual excited for scientific research.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

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 Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three disciplines - electrical engineering, mathematics and computer science. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make future-proof. We are also working on a world in which humans and computers reinforce each other. We are mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. There is plenty of room here for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1,100 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.