PhD student position in Operations Research –Joint Ghent University & KU Leuven

Project

The PhD researcher will work on various topics that relate to optimization (OR) and education, for which we see two interesting research tracks. The first track focusses on the practical organization of teaching, and may include problems like university course timetabling, high school timetabling, examination timetabling, master thesis defense assignments and scheduling and student project and master’s thesis assignments. For these problems, we wish to develop an algorithm that optimizes the planning/assignments, taking into account fairness issues (e.g. how should preferences of teachers and students be included and traded off?).  The second research track investigates teaching of operations research. In particular, we want to investigate the impact of AI-assisted modeling exercises versus open-ended modeling exercises on students' modeling skills and critical thinking abilities. Does training with AI-generated solutions (e.g., ChatGPT) affect students’ ability to develop models from scratch? Does exposure to AI-generated solutions improve students’ ability to critically assess and correct errors in AI-generated models?

Note that these research tracks offer flexibility for the PhD researcher to develop his/her own research ideas, and that plans or topics may evolve based on advancements in academic literature or emerging opportunities. Depending on the interests of the PhD researcher, and in consultation with the supervisors, priority may be given to one of both tracks. Nonetheless, the primary objective remains to publish high-quality research papers on this topic while ensuring practical relevance and/or a meaningful impact on teaching.

Although the focus is definitely on research (incl. research on education), the candidate can be asked to give guidance to Bachelor and Master students, to be involved in teaching activities and to supervise exams.

The successful candidate will be able to enroll in a fulltime PhD position at the Department of Business Informatics and Operations Management (Faculty of Economics and Business Administration) of Ghent University, as well as the Operations Management research group (Faculty of Economics and Business) of KU Leuven. Successful completion of the PhD project will lead to obtaining a (joint) doctoral degree (PhD). He/she will find a dynamic and pleasant working environment in Ghent/Brussels/Leuven, in groups that are actively involved in scientific research at the highest international level. 

Profile

For this position, we are looking for someone with the following characteristics and assets:

• You recently completed your master’s degree (or are about to complete it in 2026) in Engineering, Business Engineering, Mathematics, Data Science, Operations Research, Operations Management, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a similar degree with an equivalent academic level. Excellent (honors level or higher) results in prior studies are a requirement.

• You have a solid, mathematically oriented background, strong programming skills, and a keen interest in operations research.

• You can conduct independent research (demonstrated, e.g., by an excellent MSc thesis) as well as collaborate well in teams.

• You have excellent command of spoken and written English and are equipped with good communication skills.

• You are willing to participate in seminars and conferences, be internationally mobile and to enroll in the PhD program of the Faculty of Economics and Business at KU Leuven, which entails 21-ECTS of relevant coursework. You will also give guidance to students, be involved in teaching activities and in the supervision of exams.

Offer

• A fulltime PhD position of maximum four years (upon successful yearly evaluations).

• An interesting and diverse job. 

• A correct and beneficial salary (conform the official university scales). 

• The possibility to contribute to a societally very relevant research project. Given the personal contacts with people in academia and teaching, a large personal network can be formed or extended.

• Numerous opportunities for personal growth, illustrated by e.g., conference participation, “doctoral schools” courses on transferable skills, participation in educational initiatives, and publication opportunities.

• A social, tolerant, and constructive working environment that offers many and diverse opportunities for personal development.

Applications should be submitted through KU Leuven’s online platform together with:

1) a letter of motivation with a statement of skills and research interests,

2) a curriculum vitae, and

3) university diploma copies and transcripts.

More information about our salary scales.
 

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. Dries Goossens, mail: dries.goossens@ugent.be; Prof. dr. Jeroen Belien, mail: jeroen.belien@kuleuven.be; Prof. dr. Liesje De Boeck, mail: liesje.deboeck@kuleuven.be.

You can apply for this job no later than March 01, 2026 via the online application tool

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