The Department of Quantitative Economics at Maastricht University School of Business and Economics is looking to fill a PhD position.

Job Description
The intended working field for the PhD positions should be in one of the following fields: Econometrics, Mathematical Economics or Operations Research.

The position is fully funded for four years, according to the labor agreement of Dutch universities and contains a moderate teaching load of at most 25%.

The intended starting date is 1 September 2024.

The position is a cooperation between Maastricht University and TNO (Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research). You will be expected to work partly at a TNO location, such as Eindhoven or The Hague.

The main research question to investigate by the PhD-Student will be: can quantum computing be beneficial for multi objective QUBO problems and can classical multi-objective optimization help in defining and solving regular QUBO-problems on quantum devices?

Topic
Multi-objective (quadratic) optimization is getting more importance due to the complexity of systems-of-systems and the emphasis on sustainability goals. Efficient calculation of the Pareto-front of these problems is hard, especially when the objectives are non-linear; the rise of quantum computers might be able to make a difference here. This project studies the use of QUBO (Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimisation) based quantum algorithms for multi-objective quadratic optimization. New methodologies for multiple quantum computing technologies will be developed and assessed. Also, in the other direction, current QUBO based quantum optimization translates constrained problems to a multi-objective problem, using penalty terms. What can QUBO based quantum optimization learn from classical multi-objective optimization? This project will translate the state of the art there into the provision of penalty values.

The project will be based on two real world use cases, in collaboration with a Dutch bank and a company in radio treatment equipment:

• Multi-objective portfolio optimization with carbon footprint as one of the objectives;
• Multi-objective radio treatment optimisation.

Requirements

• You need to hold a master's degree (or be close to completion) in operations research, mathematics, computer science, or similar.
• Strong mathematical skills are required.
• Experience with quantum computing is an advantage, but not necessary.
• Good proficiency in English (both oral and written) is required.
• For TNO, it is required for the candidate to pass a security screening (https://english.aivd.nl/topics/security-screening)
• You are expected to start preferably on September 1. We offer 4-year positions. We have a large and culturally diverse PhD community in our department, and welcome enthusiastic, talented new PhD students. PhD positions are paid for, with minimal teaching obligations of at most 25%.

What we offer
As PhD-position in Operations Research at School of Business and Economics, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:

• Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale P according to UFO profile PhD, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €2770,00 and €3539,00 gross per month (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
• An employment contract for a period of 12 months with a scope of 1,0 FTE. Upon a positive evaluation, an extension of 3 years will follow.
• At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model.
• As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students.
• Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as 'acknowledge and appreciate'.
  The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, click here.

Maastricht University
Why work at Maastricht University?
At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.

In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.

With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.

Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.

Click here for more information about UM.

The School of Business and Economics
The School of Business and Economics (SBE) is one of Maastricht University’s six faculties. Our mission is to contribute to a better world by addressing societal problems, by co-creating knowledge and developing team players and leaders for the future.

By joining SBE, you will be part of the 1% of business schools worldwide to be Triple Crown accredited (EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA). You will join an inspiring and international environment, where learning and development is priority.

Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Frank Phillipson via frank.phillipson@tno.nl for more information.

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD-position in Operations Research? Apply now, no later than May 16, 2024, for this position.

The first interviews preferably take place during week 21.
The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.