KU Leuven’s Research Centre for Operations Management is offering a full-time PhD position focused on integrating human preferences and fairness into scheduling processes, such as surgery, patient, and staff scheduling. The project leverages multi-objective optimization, machine learning, and data-driven methods to analyze efficiency–fairness trade-offs, with a strong emphasis on practical impact in healthcare and related fields. The successful candidate will join the Operations Management Research Group, working under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Laura Maria Poreschack, with activities spanning both Leuven and Brussels campuses.

The PhD project encourages candidates to develop their own research ideas within the broad theme of data-driven scheduling and fairness, aiming for high-quality, publishable research. The environment is dynamic and international, providing opportunities to participate in seminars, international conferences, and collaborative research. The candidate will also enroll in the PhD program of the Faculty of Economics and Business (21 ECTS coursework) and contribute to teaching, supervision, and exam correction.

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, Mathematics, Econometrics, or Data/Computer Science, with a strong background in combinatorial optimization, scheduling, and mathematical modeling. Familiarity with machine learning and programming is advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate independent research skills, preferably through an MSc thesis, and possess excellent English communication skills. The position is ideal for those interested in supply chain management, data-driven methodologies, and the intersection of operations research and fairness.

KU Leuven offers an initial 1-year contract, extendable up to 4 years after positive evaluation. The tentative start date is 15 September 2026. Application requires a letter of motivation, detailed CV, and copies of university diplomas and transcripts, submitted via the KU Leuven online portal. For further information, contact Prof. Dr. Laura Maria Poreschack at [email protected]. The application deadline is 22 March 2026.

Keywords: Operations Management, Scheduling, Fairness, Optimization, Machine Learning, Data-Driven Methods, Healthcare Scheduling, Multi-objective Optimization, Combinatorial Optimization, Mathematical Modeling.