1 PhD Scholarship in Optimization of Public Transport Schedules in Denmark | Technical University of Denmark (DTU)

The aim of the PhD project is to optimize the schedules of both trains and buses given the expected passengers flows and preferences. Such schedules are expected to be properly integrated in order to decrease the passenger transfer times. The project will start from recent studies illustrating the benefits of optimal route design, stop locations, and overall passenger railway optimization in real-size public transport networks, and from the state-of-the-art mathematical algorithms (e.g., column generation, cutting planes, parallel heuristics, etc). Different timetabling principles will also be investigated. The research will thus be aimed at 1) develop new models for integrated optimized timetables for both bus and railway operations, 2) develop fast algorithms (metaheuristics) for solving the large-scale problems and exact algorithms for small/medium-sized problems. The precise scope and goals of the PhD project will be settled with the PhD candidate. The candidate is expected to work closely together with the research team that is developing optimization algorithms for operations in public transport.

The PhD project will be carried out under the supervision of Associate Professor Allan Larsen. Professor Stefan Røpke, from DTU Management Engineering, and/or Assistant Professor Roberto Roberti, from DTU Transport, are expected to have a role as co-supervisor(s).

The applicant is expected to contribute to teaching at the department and must take courses equivalent to 30 ECTS points during the studies.

Qualifications:

The applicant should have a strong background in operations research or related subjects (i.e., computer science or mathematics). This background must be documented by courses, MSc / BSc theses and/or publications. Good English skills are expected. Relevant programming experience in a programming language, such as C, C++, C#, and/or Java, is required.

We offer

We offer an interesting and challenging job in an international environment focusing on education, research, public-sector consultancy and innovation, which contribute to enhancing the economy and improving social welfare. We strive for academic excellence, collegial respect and freedom tempered by responsibility. The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a leading technical university in northern Europe and benchmarks with the best universities in the world.