PhD-student position: Optimizing Demand-Responsive Electric Mobility Systems Under Uncertainty KU Leuven in Belgium

The KU Leuven Institute for Mobility (LIM), in collaboration with the Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research (LISER), invites applications for three fully funded PhD positions focused on optimizing demand-responsive electric mobility systems under uncertainty. The research is situated at the intersection of operations research, decision making, automatic control, and distribution logistics, with a strong emphasis on practical applications in public transport and urban mobility.

The project aims to enhance the efficiency, coverage, and sustainability of suburban mobility systems by developing optimization-based strategies for on-demand services, integrated with innovative charging technologies. Candidates will contribute to the development of advanced mathematical frameworks and algorithms that address the operational challenges of electric mobility services, including real-time routing and charging, uncertain passenger demand, traffic congestion, and limited resources such as fleet size and charging infrastructure.

Research will be conducted within the MIM research group at KU Leuven, which has over 15 years of experience in applying operations research to public transport planning and supply chain operations, and the Urban Development and Mobility group at LISER, known for expertise in electrified public transport and urban mobility analytics. The project will provide opportunities for collaboration with international partners and other PhD students, as well as participation in conferences and educational activities.

Applicants should hold a master’s degree (with distinction) in engineering, business engineering, computer science, informatics, or applied mathematics, and demonstrate proficiency in English. Basic programming skills and a strong interest in quantitative or mathematical techniques are required. The positions are fully funded for four years, with enrollment at either KU Leuven (Arenberg Doctoral School) or the University of Luxembourg (Doctoral School in Sciences and Engineering), depending on the candidate’s preference. The preferred start date is October 1, 2026, but alternative dates can be discussed.

To apply, submit a motivation letter, transcripts of your master’s degree with grades in English, your CV, and indicate your skills in operations research, programming, and/or quantitative optimization, as well as your institutional preference. For further information, contact Prof. dr. ir. Pieter Vansteenwegen, Prof. dr. ir. Claudio Roncoli, or dr.ir. Tai-Yu Ma. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in its academic environment.