Erasmus University Rotterdam
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PhD in Optimization of Emergency Services under Decentralized Capacity Sources Erasmus University Rotterdam in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
This is a fully funded and salaried PhD position. Accepted candidates become employees of Erasmus University Rotterdam, with salary and benefits provided in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO). PhD students are supported for research visits, international conference participation and travel to disseminate research findings.
Deadline
Jan 15, 2027
Country
Netherlands
University
Erasmus University Rotterdam
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About this position
Erasmus University Rotterdam is offering a PhD project in operations management focused on optimizing emergency services that rely on decentralized and unpredictable capacity sources.
The research examines two emerging forms of emergency-response capacity: community first responders who volunteer through smartphone applications, and independent commercial ambulance providers coordinated through emergency platforms. Because these responders are not scheduled, positioned or directly controlled by emergency services, their availability, location, commitment and capabilities fluctuate substantially.
The project will develop operational models that help emergency services estimate performance, influence responder decisions and optimize dispatch and resource allocation despite uncertain capacity. Research topics include incentives for commitment, information design, responder behaviour, heterogeneous dispatch decisions and the integration of independent providers into emergency systems.
The methodological environment combines mathematical modelling, integer linear programming, Markov decision processes, game theory, machine learning, simulation and optimization. Real-world data and partnerships with emergency providers in Kenya, Indonesia, Sweden and the Netherlands will connect the theoretical work to practical emergency-care challenges.
The PhD is part of a Vidi project led by Dr. Pieter L. van den Berg and will be conducted within the Supply Chain Management group at Rotterdam School of Management. The doctoral researcher will collaborate with the supervisory team, a project PostDoc and industry partners, with opportunities for research visits and participation in major international conferences.
Funding details
This is a fully funded and salaried PhD position. Accepted candidates become employees of Erasmus University Rotterdam, with salary and benefits provided in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO). PhD students are supported for research visits, international conference participation and travel to disseminate research findings.
What's required
A master's degree in operations research, operations management, business analytics, mathematics, industrial engineering, computer science or a similar field is required. Candidates should have programming skills and good communication skills in English. Applicants must also provide all documents required by ERIM.
How to apply
Apply through the vacancy page using the ERIM FT PhD vacancy form. Review the ERIM Admissions requirements and submit all documents required by ERIM. Questions about the application and selection procedure can be directed to [email protected].
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.