Postdoctoral researcher in optimization for robust railway timetables ETH Zürich in Switzerland

This postdoctoral position at ETH Zürich focuses on optimization for robust railway timetables, aiming to enhance the performance and capacity of Switzerland's railway system and support ambitious policy and environmental targets. The project addresses the challenge of minimizing delays and their impacts through large-scale optimization, primarily using Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) and Logic-Based Benders-Decomposition approaches. Robustness against delays is a key aspect, with the goal of developing timetables that perform better under both small delays and larger disruptions, using buffers and running time reserves.

The research involves understanding how delays occur and propagate in real-life railway networks, exposing complex dynamics in response to external events. Simulation models are used to characterize these impacts, and the scientific challenge is to design timetabling models that can handle the complexity of system dynamics. The project is conducted in collaboration with an industry partner (railway infrastructure manager) and includes international cooperation with the Complex Systems group at Utrecht University.

The successful candidate will expand and consolidate existing timetabling models to include constraints from limited resources and complex dynamics, broaden scheduling models to tackle multi-objective problems and non-scalar objective functions (such as probability of delays), and study local and systemic impacts of timetables under expected or speculative delay dynamics. The position offers an initial contract of one year, extendable up to two years based on performance, with an ideal start date between September 2026 and April 2027.

Applicants should have (or be about to receive) a Doctoral Degree in transport sciences, management/decision sciences, applied mathematics, econometrics, statistics, computer science, physics, or related fields. A strong research track record or clear potential in analysing, modelling, control, and optimisation of transport systems is required. Essential skills include independent programming of complex software, algorithmic design, use of existing software and industrial data, knowledge of mathematical optimisation (MILP, IP, LP) and/or control sciences, and team working and communication skills. Fluent spoken and written English is mandatory; knowledge of German or similar languages is a plus but not required.

ETH Zürich offers a family-friendly environment with excellent working conditions, access to a dynamic research group on transport systems, and numerous benefits such as public transport season tickets, car sharing, sports facilities, childcare, and attractive pension benefits. The university values diversity, sustainability, and equality of opportunity, fostering an inclusive culture and climate-neutral future.

Applications must be submitted online via the ETH Zurich application portal before 06 July 2026. Required documents include a motivation letter, CV with publications, diploma and PhD copies, and two reference letters. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. For questions about the position, contact Prof. Dr. Francesco Corman at [email protected] (not for applications).

ETH Zürich is renowned for its excellence in science and technology, offering a stimulating environment for independent thinking and research. The university collaborates globally to develop solutions for today's and tomorrow's challenges.