University of Essex Faculty Funded PhD Studentship (Oct 2019 entry)
Title: Demand scheduling and emission control in e-fulfilment
Funding Details: Full-time Home/EU fees and a stipend of £15,009 p.a.
Application Deadline: Tuesday 07 May 2019
Start Date: October 2019
Duration: 3 years full-time
Location: Colchester
Departments:
Department of Mathematical Sciences (lead) and School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering
Brief overview:
Last-mile delivery - the transportation of goods from hub to home - in e-retailing is one of the most costly and highest polluting segments of the supply chain. This
project aims to bringing together revenue management (demand scheduling) and vehicle routing models to minimize emission by means of giving incentives to encourage customers to choose least emission time windows. It will also provide resolutions on the efficient
usage of electric fleets in grocery delivery. The world leading online grocery provider, Ocado, is willing to support this studentship by providing data and possible training opportunities.
Entry requirements:
1.
MSc in Operational Research, Mathematics, Computer Science or a related discipline. [Essential]
2.
Good theoretical and applied knowledge in optimization, including linear programming, combinatorial optimization, dynamic programming and stochastic process.
3.
Good knowledge of mathematical methods for data science, including foundational topics such as calculus, linear algebra and statistics.
4.
Good knowledge of programming platforms and languages (e.g. Matlab/Python/C++/Java).
5.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
6.
Experience of working on a project to successful completion.
7.
Excellent time management and organisational skills and the ability to work to tight deadlines.
8.
Able to work independently and as part of a team.
9.
Ability to interface with people with commercial interests and from varied technical backgrounds.
10.
Excellent command of written and spoken English.
Detailed funding information:
The award consists of a full Home/EU waiver or equivalent fee discount for overseas students (see
https://www1.essex.ac.uk/fees-and-funding/research/default.aspx for
further fee details); a doctoral stipend equivalent to the Research Council’s UK National Minimum Doctoral Stipend (£15,009 in 2019-20); and a £2,400 training bursary via Proficio funding, which may be used to cover the cost of advanced skills training including
conference attendance and travel.
Supervisors:
Dr Xinan Yang (Lead, DMS), Professor Hani Hagras (CSEE)
Primary supervisor: Dr Xinan Yang
https://www.essex.ac.uk/people/yangx23408/xinan-yang
Dr Yang has worked in revenue management of online grocery fulfilment for five year. She has published two world-leading articles in this field (cited by 35 and 10 since they
were published in 2016 and 2017, respectively) which are industrialising with Ocado Technology under a KTP (Dec 2018 – Dec 2020).
Professor Hagras’ expertise in algorithm development will help because we need fast online resolution.
https://www.essex.ac.uk/people/hagra01400/hani-hagras
How to apply:
You can apply for this postgraduate research opportunity online.
Specific how to apply information – Please upload your CV, cover letter, personal statement, transcripts of any undergraduate or masters programmes and one reference. Please include the
title of the project in the box of “Proposed research topic or area of interest” when applying online. Please provide the full name of the main supervisor, Dr Xinan Yang, in the box of “If you have contacted a potential supervisor to discuss your application
or research proposal, please provide the person’s full name”. Without this information the application may not get to the right person.
At the University of Essex internationalism is central to who we are and what we do. We are committed to being a cosmopolitan, internationally-oriented university that is welcoming
to staff and students from all countries and a university where you can find the world in one place.
Please see the further detail link below for a full description, person specifications, terms and conditions of this studentship. We recommend you read this information carefully
before making an application. Applications should be made on-line, but if you would like advice or help in making an application or if you have any queries about this opportunity please email the lead supervisor, Dr Xinan Yang ([log in to unmask]).
Kind regards,
Xinan
Lecturer in Operational Research
Department of Mathematical Science
University of Essex