PhD position on Increasing the Resilience of Multimodal Logistics

Key takeaways

In this project, we build upon existing capabilities to monitor multimodal corridors by providing platform functionality and supporting work practices to transition toward resilient and climate-adaptive synchromodal corridors. Developing such a platform requires collective efforts to share data (e.g., geo-hydrological, IoT, weather, planning, logistics) and develop interorganizational processes to mitigate risks of reverse modal shift and reduce its cascading effects.

The main objectives of this 3-year project are to:

1. develop a resilience toolbox to support companies and public stakeholders to individually and collaboratively develop resilient corridors, focussing on transforming existing corridors;
2. design and develop a digital twin for resilient multimodal corridors, supporting the transition into a synchromodal corridor being able to use the best modality at any moment.

This PhD position focuses mainly on the first objective by conducting fundamental and industrial research regarding resilience in multi-modal logistics. More specifically, the research will contribute to the development of new quantitative and qualitative methods and techniques and organizational strategies, capabilities, and interventions to improve resilience. The second objective will be carried out collaboratively with an EngD student, to jointly develop a digital twin platform, which provides a rich testbed for experimental development and evaluation of the resilience toolbox.

This practice-inspired project is based on the 2018 and 2022 droughts in the Twente canals and involves industry cases and policy development plans from an extensive research consortium.

Read more in this press release: https://www.utwente.nl/en/news/2023/10/1194213/twente-researchers-make-transport-chains-more-reliable-using-a-digital-twin.

Information and application

Are you interested to be part of our team? Please submit your application before 10 February 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;
• 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).

Additional information can be acquired via email from Sebastian Piest via [email protected].

About the department

The HBE department is dedicated to encouraging a supportive and inclusive working culture. Our aim is that all job applicants are given equal opportunities. When we select candidates for employment, it will be on the basis of their competence and ability. To support the workforce diversity, we are open to offer flexible working conditions on an individual basis to support work-life balance, that may include contract of employment, working hours and location, or child care arrangements.

The High Business Entrepreneurship corporate video can be watched via this link .

About the organisation

The Faculty of Behavioral, Management and Social sciences (BMS) aims to play a key role in understanding, jointly developing and evaluating innovations in society. Technological developments are the engine of innovation. As a technical university that puts people first, we tailor them to human needs and behavior and use social engineering to integrate them into society. We also ensure adequate governance at public and private level, and robust, inclusive and fair organizational structures. We do this by developing, sharing and applying high-quality knowledge in Psychology, Business Administration, Public Administration, Communication Sciences, Philosophy, Educational Sciences and Health Sciences. Our research and education in these disciplines revolves around tackling and solving societal challenges. The research programs of BMS are closely linked to the research of the UT institutes Mesa+ Institute for Nanotechnology, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.

As an employer, the Faculty of BMS offers work that matters. We equip you to create new possibilities for yourself and for our society. With us, you will become part of a leading technical university with increasing, positive social impact. We offer an open, inclusive and entrepreneurial atmosphere, in which we encourage you to make healthy choices, for example through our flexible, adaptable benefits.