PhD position in Operations Management

Topic:
Data-driven methods for integrating human preferences and fairness considerations into scheduling processes

The Operations Management Research Group of KU Leuven (Belgium) is offering a position for a full-time PhD student. The position is associated with a research project that aims integrating human preferences and fairness considerations into scheduling processes such as surgery, patient or staff scheduling using, e.g., multi‑objective optimization or machine learning approaches and analyzing efficiency‑fairness trade offs. The research will be conducted under the supervision of Prof.

Laura Maria Poreschack of the Research Centre for Operations Management located on the campus Brussels and Leuven. This research should lead to a PhD‑degree within 4 years.

The research centre for Operations Management covers a wide range of challenging topics in different areas of operations management. KU Leuven is the largest university in Belgium and is consistently ranked among the top 50 universities worldwide. In addition to its historic main campus in Leuven, the university has multiple campuses in cities such as Brussels and Antwerp, offering a vibrant and internationally connected academic environment.

KU Leuven collaborates with more than 450 partner institutions across the globe, fostering strong international research networks.

Note that this research track offers flexibility for the PhD researcher to develop their 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.

• You have a master’s degree in Engineering, Business, Mathematics, Econometrics, or data/computer science (or a similar degree with an equivalent academic level).
• You have a solid, mathematically‑oriented, academic background in the topics related to this PhD position. Good knowledge of combinatorial optimization (scheduling problems, mathematical modelling etc.), machine learning and/or strong programming skills are an asset.
• You have an interest in supply chain management and the potential applications of data‑driven methodologies and algorithms.
• You can do independent research (demonstrated, e.g., by an excellent MSc thesis).
• You have excellent command of spoken and written English.
• You are expected to participate in seminars and (international) conferences, and to enroll in the PhD program of the Faculty of Economics and Business, which entails 21‑ECTS of relevant coursework during the first year of the PhD. The candidates also give guidance to students, are involved in teaching activities and in the supervision and correction of exams.

You will find a dynamic and pleasant working environment in Brussels and Leuven, in a group that is actively involved in scientific research at the highest international level. The contract is offered initially for 1 year with an extension up to 4 years after a positive evaluation. The tentative starting date is 15 September 2026, depending on the availability of the candidate.

• 1) A letter of motivation with a statement of skills and research interests.
• 3) University diploma copies and transcripts.

Interested?