Research Associate in Operations Research

About us

The Department of Engineering at King’s College London, part of the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical and Engineering Sciences, is a leading academic unit focused on delivering cutting-edge research and education in various branches of engineering. 

The department offers a dynamic environment for students and researchers, combining interdisciplinary expertise and advanced technologies. It aims to address global challenges through innovation and problem-solving, with particular emphasis on areas such as sustainable energy, healthcare technologies, and transportation systems.

King’s Engineering faculty is known for its strong collaborations with industry and its commitment to fostering creativity, entrepreneurship, and leadership in engineering.

About the role

We are advertising for a post-doctoral Research Associate position at King’s College London (KCL) to work with Prof. Rym M’Hallah (KCL), Prof. Christine Currie (University of Southampton), Prof. Julia Bennell, and Dr. Chiara Calastri (University of Leeds) on large scale optimization techniques and revenue management with applications to Demand responsive transport systems.

The post-doctoral researcher will undertake research specifically developing routing and scheduling methodologies. Of particular interest is the development and investigation of exact and heuristic optimisation approaches for routing and scheduling using stochastic data. The researcher will be expected to engage in problem formulation, algorithm implementation (using appropriate solver software and programming languages), experimental design and analysis of results. In addition, the research includes embedding pricing methodologies (already developed) and behavioural insights (provided through another work package).

The successful candidate will be part of a research team with five other members. S/he will be expected to engage in regular online and in person meetings, develop presentations for academic and practitioner audiences, and write reports and journal articles.

The successful candidate should have a PhD in Operations Research, Mathematics, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, or Transport Engineering and be proficient in a mainstream programming language. 

The post will be based within the Department of Engineering, King’s.  The department is located at the Strand campus of King's, in the centre of London. The post involves routine working on campus at KCL and regular in-person meetings at Leeds and Southampton. 

This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent. It will be offered on a fixed-term contract until August 31st, 2026. Scheduled to start on February 1st, 2025, subject to a right to work being obtained.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Professors Rym M’Hallah or Julia Bennell.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

• Strong foundation in mathematics and deep knowledge of exact optimization techniques, heuristics and matheuristics
• Experience of using and implementing mathematical programming (including constraint programming)
• Experience of presenting research at conferences and writing journal article

Essential criteria

• Strong foundation in mathematics and deep knowledge of exact optimization techniques, heuristics and matheuristics
• Experience of using and implementing mathematical programming (including constraint programming)
• Proven track record of high-quality research publications in peer reviewed journals and international conferences
• Excellent programming skills (including Python and off-the-shelf solvers)
• Experience in using and implementing stochastic optimization and simulation
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work co-operatively within a team striving for collective excellence.

Desirable criteria

• Good understanding of the concepts of revenue management
• Understanding of Behavioural Science
• Knowledge of digital twin systems

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