PhD position: Big Data Analytics and AI in Port Performance Optimization – Infrastructure Use

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PhD position: Big Data Analytics and AI in Port Performance Optimization – Infrastructure Use

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Job description

Offer DescriptionResearch contextPorts are vital nodes in the global logistics network, facilitating international trade and commerce. They connect nations and ensure the smooth flow of imports and exports, boosting economic development. Efficient operations lower transportation costs and enhance supply chain reliability, promoting economic growth. Port infrastructure-such as breakwaters, access channels, terminals, and environmental factors like water levels and currents-greatly impacts their functionality. Understanding the relationship between infrastructure, environment, and efficiency is essential for optimizing port performance.In pursuit of advancing the efficiency of port operations, a strategic collaboration has been established through a Data-sharing and support agreement between the Port of Rotterdam and the group “Ports and Waterways” at TU Delft. This partnership aims to leverage the wealth of data available, encompassing geospatial information, vessel traffic data, and environmental data, together with satellite imagery and various other open sources of information. Under this collaborative agreement, the Port and Waterways AI research program has been initiated. Financed by the Port of Rotterdam, the primary goal is to unlock the full potential of available data sources and advances in Artificial Intelligence techniques to enhance port performance, with a key focus on sea-side operational efficiency.Within the Port and Waterways AI research program, four distinct positions have been established, with three already filled. This PhD position will focus on infrastructure use and operational dynamics. The other positions in the program cover areas such as strategic evaluation of port infrastructure and sediment dynamics related to navigable depth, as well as a postdoctoral role aimed at creating a new working environment and developing testing beds for innovative models and methodsJob DescriptionAs a PhD candidate, you will play an important role in exploring the operational dimensions of port infrastructure through the lens of data availability and advanced AI models. The core objective of this position is to uncover added value for sea-side port applications at the operational level. Your focus will be on addressing diverse challenges, with a central emphasis on Port Nautical Safety and Traffic Management. This involves the analysis of moving vessels, requiring the use of AIS and other sources of data, and translating this information into insightful assessments of vessel movements, trip patterns, port calls, and cargo loads.The scope of your PhD extends to sea-side operational aspects such as port call scheduling, traffic management, and queue optimization to ensure smooth vessel berthing and departures, thus improving nautical traffic flow and safety. You may also focus on optimizing port logistics performance in terms of vessel turnaround times, berth occupancy, and capacity utilization. An essential part of your research will involve real-time monitoring and anomaly detection mechanisms to identify operational inefficiencies, delays, or safety risks. By integrating AI techniques, such as machine learning, predictive analytics, and real-time optimization, your work will contribute to enhancing the safety, efficiency, and overall performance of sea-side operational processes within the port environment. This position offers a unique opportunity to directly influence the practical applications that drive operational excellence in port traffic management and maritime logistics.Where to apply WebsiteRequirementsSpecific RequirementsWe are looking for excellent candidates who are passionate about Port applications and have a proven interdisciplinary track record. This position requires experience in artificial intelligence and working with big datasets. In particular, we look for candidates with:

• An MSc degree in Civil Engineering, Maritime Engineering, Transport and Infrastructure, or any other related field;
• Experience in applying AI models and big data analytics to diverse data sources;
• Advanced skills in scripting with Python;
• Affinity with port-related applications, nautical traffic, and safety issues ;
• Ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment both with scientific partners and stakeholders from industry;
• Additional experience with agent-based (and/or) discrete-event simulation and AIS data is a plus.

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. More specifically, TOEFL or IELTS English proficiency tests are required for all applicants except those whose MSc program was taught in English. The minimum requirement of a TOEFL score is 100 and IELTS is 7.0. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission. For more details please check the .Additional InformationBenefitsDoctoral 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 € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 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 a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.For international applicants, TU Delft has the . This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.Selection processAre you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 28 October 2024 via the application button and upload:

• CV
• Motivation letter
• Transcripts (both MSc and BSc)
• MSc thesis abstract

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Additional commentsThe supervisory team consists of Prof. Mark van Koningsveld, and Dr. Nadia Pourmohammadzia. For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Nadia Pourmohammadzia, e-mail: . Website for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Delft University of Technology Country Netherlands City Delft Postal Code 2628 CD Street Mekelweg 2 GeofieldContact CityDelft WebsiteStreetMekelweg 2 Postal Code2628 CDSTATUS: EXPIREDShare this page

Expected salary

€2872 per month

Location

Delft, Zuid-Holland

Job date

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 03:22:17 GMT

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