We are looking for a full-time PhD student to do research in the field of Operations Research under the supervision of prof. Dries Goossens, Department of Business Informatics and Operations Management (Faculty of Economics and Business Administration) of Ghent University, and profs. Jeroen Belien and Liesje De Boeck, Operations Management research group (Faculty of Economics and Business) of KU Leuven (campus Brussels).
Project
The PhD researcher will work on various topics that relate to optimization (OR) and education. In particular, we see two tracks. The first aims on teaching of operations research. In particular, we want to investigate the impact of AI-assisted modeling exercises versus open-ended modeling exercises on students' modeling skills and critical thinking abilities. Does training with AI-generated solutions (e.g., ChatGPT)a affect students’ ability to develop models from scratch? Does exposure to AI-generated solutions improve students’ ability to critically assess and correct errors in AI-generated models? The second track focusses on the practical organization of teaching, and may include problems like examination timetabling, master thesis defense assignments and scheduling, student project and master’s theses assignments, university course timetabling, and high school timetabling. For these problems, we wish to develop an algorithm that optimizes the planning, taking into account fairness issues (e.g. how should preferences of teachers and students be included and traded off?).
Note that this research track offers flexibility for the PhD researcher to develop his/her own research ideas, and that plans or topics may evolve based on advancements in academic literature or emerging opportunities. Nonetheless, the primary objective remains to publish high-quality research papers on this topic while ensuring practical relevance and/or a meaningful impact on teaching.
Although the focus is definitely on research (incl. research on education), the candidate can be asked to give guidance to Bachelor and Master students, to be involved in teaching activities and to supervise exams.
The successful candidate will be able to enrol in a fulltime PhD position at the Department of Business Informatics and Operations Management (Faculty of Economics and Business Administration) of Ghent University, as well as the Operations Management research group (Faculty of Economics and Business) of KU Leuven. Successful completion of the PhD project will lead to obtaining a (joint) doctoral degree (PhD). He/she will find a dynamic and pleasant working environment in Ghent/Brussels/Leuven, in groups that are actively involved in scientific research at the highest international level. Candidates will be expected to participate in seminars and (international) conferences.
Profile
For this position, we are looking for someone with the following characteristics and assets:
- A completed Master’s degree (MA or MSc) in a relevant field of study (e.g., business engineering, industrial engineering, mathematics, engineering, computer science). Good study results throughout the entire educational trajectory are an important asset, on average a minimal degree of distinction is required. Students that are currently in the final year of their Masters are especially encouraged to apply.
- A strong interest in scientific research in general, and optimization in particular, combined with a flexible and creative mindset.
- Strong programming skills.
- Clear scientific and communicative skills (e.g., critical thinking, scientific writing, presentation skills, project management, methodological skills).
- A profound knowledge of the English language is a prerequisite, as the successful candidate will have to present during international conferences and publish in international scientific journals. Knowledge of Dutch is an asset, but not mandatory.
- Strong social skills that enable to work in team (both at the research groups at Ghent University and KU Leuven), combined with the necessary skills to work independently (yet with guidance and mentoring) on subprojects.
- A responsible personality who values ethics, both in social contacts as well in relation to scientific research.
Offer
- A fulltime PhD position of maximum four years (upon successful yearly evaluations). An interesting and diverse job.
- A correct and beneficial salary (conform the official university scales).
- The possibility to contribute to a societally very relevant research project. Given the personal contacts with people in academia and teaching, a large personal network can be formed or extended.
- Numerous opportunities for personal growth, illustrated by e.g., conference participation, “doctoral schools” courses on transferable skills, participation in educational initiatives, and publication opportunities.
- A social, tolerant, and constructive working environment that offers many and diverse opportunities for personal development.
Interested?
For more info, contact prof. dr. Jeroen Belien ([email protected]) or prof. dr. Liesje De Boeck ([email protected]) or prof. dr. Dries Goossens ([email protected])
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