Delft University of Technology has two vacancies for PhD positions within the 
research project Model-Predictive Railway Traffic Management of the 
Department of Transport and Planning (Faculty CEG) and the Delft Centre for 
Systems and Control (Faculty 3mE), funded by the Dutch technology 
foundation STW. 

Job description

In this project new models and a new predictive control approach are 
developed for anticipative management of railway traffic networks. The 
project aims at closing the loop between timetabling and train operations with 
a continuous feedback of train positions and field data to allow fast 
rescheduling of train paths in case of disturbances. Using predictions based on 
railway traffic models, optimization procedures will be developed for finding the 
most effective measures for regulating train traffic in case of disruptions. This 
model predictive control (MPC) approach must maintain an up-to-date feasible 
plan on a national network level with respect to the current
state of the infrastructure (speed restrictions, blocked tracks), resources 
(rolling stock and crews), train delays, and expected conflicts.

The research contains three main ingredients: (1) Monitoring: developing a 
methodology to actively monitor train positions, speeds, and infrastructure 
availability, and to determine up-to-date running time estimates; (2) 
Predictive traffic modelling: developing a real-time railway traffic prediction 
model that can be updated continuously with the latest information and 
selected control decisions; and (3) Model predictive control: developing a 
model predictive control system that optimizes future control decisions by 
using predictions of the future behavior of the railway traffic.

The core of the MPC approach is the railway traffic model for which an 
extension of max-plus linear systems is proposed. A max-plus linear system is 
a discrete-event dynamic system characterized by synchronization constraints 
which has been successfully applied to the modelling of large-scale railway 
networks. The conventional max-plus models assume a fixed structure of e.g. 
train orders and routings that may not be maintained in perturbed operations. 
In this project the model is extended to switching max-plus models, which can 
switch between different modes representing alternative decisions or 
circumstances. Effective modelling procedures are to be developed to build 
typical control decisions into max-plus models, such as rerouting, reordering, 
and changing meeting or overtaking locations. In this project the modelling 
and theory of switching max-plus linear systems will be studied with a focus 
on computational aspects and an embedding in a real-time MPC framework. 
The expected outcome is a model predictive railway traffic management 
system to be used as a supervisory and intelligent decision support system for 
railway traffic controllers and signallers. The project is supported by Arcadis, 
DHV, Movares, NS Reizigers, ProRail, and Siemens.

Requirement

Applicants should have an MSc degree with a background in systems and 
control, civil engineering, mathematics, computer science or a related field, 
and preferably a strong interest in railway operations, optimization, and data 
analysis. Fluency in spoken and written English is an essential requirement.

Conditions of employment

The successful candidates will be employed full-time by TU Delft for a fixed 
period of four years within which each candidate is expected to write a 
dissertation leading to a doctoral degree (PhD thesis). The starting salary for 
a PhD is € 2042 gross per month increasing to a maximum of € 2612 gross per 
month in the fourth year.

TU Delft offers an attractive benefits package, including a flexible work week, 
free high-speed Internet access from home, and the option of assembling a 
customized compensation and benefits package (the 'IKA'). Salary and 
benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch 
Universities.

Information and application

For more information about these positions, please contact Dr. R.M.P. Goverde 
(T&P), <[log in to unmask]>. For more information on the departments, 
see <http://www.dcsc.tudelft.nl> and <http://www.transport.citg.tudelft.nl>.

To apply, please e-mail a detailed CV along with a letter of application and a 
course/grade list by 15 February 2010 to Ms. M.J.M.E. de Groot, <Application-
[log in to unmask]>. When applying for this position, make sure to mention 
vacancy number 3ME09.44.

See also the official vacancy at TRAIL research school, 
<http://www.rstrail.nl/website_nieuw/pages/vacancies/PhDRailwayTrafficMana
gement.pdf>


Dr. Rob M.P. Goverde
Assistant Professor
Department of Transport and Planning
Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences
Delft University of Technology