JOB DESCRIPTION
                  
Last application date: Jul 16, 2021 00:00
Department: TW18 - Department of Industrial Systems Engineering and Product Design
Contract: Limited duration
Degree: Master degree in Operation Research, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or equivalent
Occupancy rate: 100%
Vacancy type: Research staff

Job description

Phd in Stochastic Optimization Models for Allocation of Quality Inspection in Flexible Assembly: ISyE (Ghent University, Belgium)

ISyE is a core research group of Flanders Make. It performs applied research in the domain of industrial systems engineering and optimization. Our major research areas are in flexible assembly systems design, control and optimization, and in particular production and maintenance planning and scheduling.

Outline of the Phd:

To ensure the quality and the proper functioning of an assembled product, the assembly line will usually include one or more stations where the product is inspected or tested. This inspection can be done using many types of tests, sensors and technologies, each with their own performance (in terms of precision, speed, sensitivity, specificity), resource requirements and involved operating costs. In addition, we also need to decide at which position or positions of the assembly inspection will be performed, which characteristics of the assembly will be inspected and what inspection strategy to use (full inspection, sampling, ...). In complex assembly environments, it is therefore a challenge to find an efficient allocation of the inspection effort so that the end product conforms to customer specifications, but at a minimal cost to the assembly company.

The goal of the PhD is to develop innovative cost optimization models that take into account detailed knowledge of the assembly process such cost of rework, parts and operator time, specifications, warranty cost, bill of materials, but also knowledge of different eligible tests. The outcome is a data-driven decision support system for optimal inspection allocation in the assembly environment. The PhD work will in particular also focus on the robustness of the solutions obtained by the model to (unforeseen) changes in the production schedule. This is highly relevant in high-mix low-volume assembly where production runs are short and change frequently in nature. The inspection solutions must be flexible enough to deal with this variability.

We offer the opportunity to carry out a doctoral research with a scholarship in a pleasant environment (ISyE-core lab, part of Ghent University and Flanders Make).

Job profile

Highly creative and motivated PhD student with the following qualifications:
    	
    You have a strong interest in doing scientific research. You are willing to obtain in-depth knowledge of state-of-the-art techniques in modeling, optimization and stochastic processes.   	
    You have a master degree (or will have it by the end of academic year 2020-2021) in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research, (Applied) Mathematics, Computer Science, or an equivalent degree.    	
    You have excellent coding skills (Python, R, or other). Experience with algorithmic approaches or programming frameworks are considered as significant plus.    	
    You are motivated to validate and transfer your findings to industry.   	
    You have strong communication skills and your English is fluent, both speaking and writing.

How to apply

Send your application by email or any questions concerning this vacancy to prof. S. De Vuyst (Stijn.DeVuyst@ugent.be) indicating “Application: Optimal Inspection Allocation in Flexible Assembly” in the subject. Applications should include (1) an academic resume, (2) a personal motivation letter, and (3) detailed transcripts of study results. After a first screening, selected candidates will be invited for an interview (via Teams, Skype, Zoom) as a first contact in a multi-stage selection process.

    Application deadline: July 16th 2021 or until the vacancy is filled.    	
    Type of contract: Full-time    	
    Employment: Temporary (4 years), with yearly progress evaluation 
    Earliest starting date: September 2021

Stijn.DeVuyst@ugent.be