Doctoral scholarship planning and scheduling of in-orbit service missions

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape. 

The Department of Engineering Management in the Faculty of Business and Economics is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of planning and scheduling of in-orbit service missions.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the domain of operations research for space logistics. With the development of mathematical models and optimisation algorithms, we aim to support strategical, tactical and operational decisions in the context of the deployment of in-orbit service centres.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching (e.g., master thesis supervision) and research support tasks for the Department of Engineering Management.

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in operations research, computer science, or similar; or you will have obtained it by the time you start to work.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You can show good modelling and/or programming skills (ideally in C++, Julia and/or Python).
• Affinity or experience with space and/or orbital mechanics would be a plus.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of 1 year, which can be extended up to 4 years after positive evaluation.
• The planned start date is 15 September 2025 or as soon as possible after that date.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will do most of your work at the University of Antwerp Stadscampus in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 22 April 2025 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a motivation letter
  • your academic CV
• The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure. You can already save the following date: Selection interviews will be planned on 5 May 2025.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to [email protected]. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Prof. dr. Christof Defryn ([email protected]).

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.