Research Assistant/Doctoral Student (f/m/d) - Mercator Endowed Chair of Demand Management and Sustainable Transport

General information:
At the chair, you will conduct research on topics in the fields of Demand Management and/or Sustainable Transport. The chair’s focus is on mathematical modelling at the intersection of these areas (e.g., “Dynamic Pricing of Transportation Services”). These problems typically involve mathematical optimization, machine learning, etc., and are often developed using data provided by partner companies. The specific dissertation topic in this area is open and will be chosen jointly based on mutual interests. There are many potential project ideas, especially in the area of air transportation optimization, though this is only one among many possible fields of application.
 
The excellent research conditions at the Mercator Chair are evidenced by several international awards: INFORMS Aviation Applications Section Best Dissertation Award 2023, AGIFORS Anna Valicek Bronze Medal 2023, nomination for the EURO Doctoral Dissertation Award 2024 (i.e., Top 5 in Europe), as well as recent top publications (e.g., in the prestigious INFORMS journals Transportation Science or Management Science).

Your mission:
• The position is a 50% part‑time role designed to allow completion of the doctoral degree within 2 to 3 years.
• As an internal doctoral student (f/m/d), no tuition fees apply.
• Your main responsibility will be the completion of your dissertation.
• You will benefit from an excellent network of renowned researchers, companies, and alumni.
• The focus is on producing high‑quality academic publications.
• You will support Professor Strauss’ teaching activities, for example through occasional exam supervision and grading.

Your profile:
• You hold an outstanding master’s degree in a quantitative discipline such as business mathematics, computer science, industrial engineering, or similar. Alternatively, an excellent master’s degree in business/economics with strong quantitative coursework may also be considered.
• You have completed or will soon complete your degree.
• You work independently, are a team player, and are goal‑oriented.
• You possess excellent English skills, both written and spoken.
• Ideally, you have programming skills (e.g., Python, C, R, or Matlab), or you are willing to acquire them quickly.

What we offer:
Academic Environment
WHU has more than 60 faculty members in the fields of management, finance and accounting, economics, entrepreneurship and innovation, marketing and sales, and supply chain management. Research at WHU aims to adhere to three principles: quality, internationality, and practical relevance.

Contact:
For questions please contact:

Professor Arne Strauss
email: [email protected]