Doctoral researcher in Electric Mobility & Energy Optimization

About the FSTM

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM) at the University of Luxembourg contributes multidisciplinary expertise in the fields of Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences and Medicine.
Through its dual mission of teaching and research, the FSTM seeks to generate and disseminate knowledge and train new generations of responsible citizens in order to better understand, explain and advance society and environment we live in.

Your role

Within the frame of the FNR-CORE funded project ENER-G (Empowering Networks of E-buses for Resilient and Green mobility), a doctoral research project is framed. The PhD topic is around and tentatively entitled "Optimal e-bus charging infrastructure and fleet management considering Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) connectivity, local renewable energy and dynamic pricing", and will address "to what extent V2G-bus connectivity, renewable sources like solar panels, battery storage systems, and time-of-day dynamics of pricing schemes can be exploited and result in substantial cost savings for the bus operators, while providing additional benefits for the energy actors and green energy exploitation?"

The PhD project will begin with reviewing the state-of-the-art, then optimisation formulations will be developed. Finally, the research will develop efficient algorithms and test them on realistic networks and using real data from energy and public transport operators. The Doctoral student is also expected to contribute to other activities and tasks within the ENER-G project. The main outcome(s) of the PhD will be novel optimisation models and solution algorithms that will substantially advance the state-of-the-art in electric fleet planning and management, and in integrated transport and energy management systems. This will likely result in publication of at least three high impact factor journal papers in Transp. Res. (C, D or E) or Energy related journals (Applied Energy, Energy). Presentation at prestigious international conferences (e.g. TRB, hEART, TSL, EURO) will also bring additional visibility to the project outcomes.

The Doctoral researcher will be supervised by Prof. Viti, and will be enrolled to the Doctoral School in Sciences and Engineering (DSSE). The supervision will also be supported by Dr. Ma as part of the CET (Comité d'Encadrement de Thèse) and will be daily supervised by the Postdoc employed in the project by UL.

The PhD candidate will join the Mobilab Transport Research Group, a dynamic group with broad research competences and interests, with expertise covering mathematics, engineering, computer science and social sciences. We offer excellent working conditions in an international and stimulating environment, along with frequent opportunities to engage in scientific activities both in Luxembourg and abroad, including seminars, summer schools, conferences, and more. The Mobilab team is part of the BIVEC (the BeNeLux association for transport research) and as such it has free access to post-graduate courses also in other institutions in Belgium and the Netherlands. The training program will be detailed based on the profile and educational background of the PhD student recruited. PhD training will be framed by the mandatory Doctoral Education Agreement (DEA) between the candidate and the supervisor of the doctoral school to be prepared and signed within month 6 from the PhD start date.

For further information about the role, please contact Prof. Viti :

Your profile

• Hold a MSc in applied mathematics or engineering
• Strong analytical and numerical skills
• Knowledge of optimization and operations management
• Knowledge of programming, possibly Python
• Preferred knowledge of optimisation solvers like Gurobi, CPLEX
• Solid knowledge of infrastructure design, planning and management is an asset
• Fluent written and oral skills in English

We offer

• Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the "University of the Greater Region" (UniGR)
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter stating your experience and why you are interested in the position
• Contact name and email address of three persons willing to send letters of recommendation (letters will eventually be requested only after the selection)

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Belval Campus
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Job Reference: UOL07896

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 41976 (full time).