Francesco Corman

This doctoral position at ETH Zürich focuses on optimization for robust railway timetables, aiming to improve the performance and capacity of Switzerland's public transport system. The project addresses the challenge of minimizing delays and their impacts through advanced timetable planning, using large-scale optimization techniques such as Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) and Logic-Based Benders-Decomposition. Robustness against delays and disruptions is a key aspect, with the goal of developing timetables that quantitatively outperform traditional schedules under real-world conditions. The research involves modeling how small delays and larger disruptions propagate through the railway network, and determining optimal buffer placements and running time reserves. 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 scientific challenge is to integrate delay dynamics into existing timetabling models and identify schedules that are resilient to disruptions. As a doctoral researcher, you will establish and use mathematical models for large-scale scheduling, considering constraints on vehicles, crew, and infrastructure. You will design and implement simulation-optimization frameworks to evaluate solutions, estimate their sensitivity to assumptions, and compare them to typical real-life responses. The position offers a dynamic research environment within a diverse group, active interaction with industrial and international partners, and access to ETH Zürich's extensive training programs and benefits. Applicants should have or be about to receive a Master's degree in transport sciences, management/decision sciences, econometrics, mathematics, statistics, computer science, physics, or related fields. Essential skills include independent programming, algorithmic design, mathematical optimization, and strong communication abilities. Fluency in English is mandatory; knowledge of German is a plus but not required. The initial contract is for 18 months, with the possibility of extension following an aptitude colloquium. The total doctoral project is expected to last four years. ETH Zürich is committed to diversity, sustainability, and equal opportunity. The university offers numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing, sports facilities, childcare, and attractive pension plans. Applications must be submitted online via the ETH Zürich portal by 06 July 2026, including a motivation letter, CV with publications, diploma copies, and a reference letter. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a personal interview. For further information, contact Prof. Dr. Francesco Corman at [email protected] (no applications via email). ETH Zürich is a world-leading institution in science and technology, renowned for its excellent education, cutting-edge research, and commitment to sustainability. The university fosters an inclusive culture and provides an inspiring environment for independent thinking and academic excellence.

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.