Overview

We seek a new colleague who will help build and extend our department's reputation for excellence in research and teaching. Our research creates impact through publications in top international academic journals and close collaboration with companies. Our teaching spans a range of quantitative courses at bachelor's, master's, PhD and postgraduate level, along with thesis supervision.

For this position, the candidate is expected to strengthen the research and teaching of the department at the intersection of machine learning/AI and sustainability from both a fundamental and an applied operations perspective, with applications in supply chain management and networks.

We welcome candidates with a strong foundation in either quantitative sustainability management or machine learning, and particularly value candidates whose work connects the two.

The candidate is expected to engage with companies and other societal stakeholders, in line with the department’s research and impact strategy.

Your Duties

• Teach and coordinate quantitative courses and supervise theses in the BSc and MSc programmes of the School of Business and Economics.
• Initiate, conduct and supervise high-quality research at the interface of machine learning and sustainability management.
• Publish in top-tier journals and acquire research grants.
• Engage with companies and other societal stakeholders, in line with the School’s societal impact strategy, and contribute to postgraduate education.
• Contribute to the development of the department and the School through administrative and organisational tasks, and take on committee roles as your career progresses.

Your Profile

You have:

• A (nearly) completed PhD in Operations Research, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, Management Science or a related quantitative field.
• A solid background in quantitative research.
• A strong interest in analysing and modelling real-life problems in sustainability and operations using state-of-the-art quantitative methods, demonstrated through international scientific publications in mathematical optimisation and/or machine learning.
• Affinity with machine learning and quantitative sustainability methods and the ability to contribute to the department’s research and teaching in this area.
• Demonstrated teaching experience at university level.
• Good communication skills to interact successfully with students, industry and academic partners; experience in curriculum or course development is an advantage.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of Dutch is considered an advantage.

What Do We Offer?

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. In return, we offer:

• A gross monthly salary between €4,925 (Scale 11) and €7,573 (Scale 12) based on full-time employment. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• A position of at least 0.8 FTE.
• An initial employment contract of 18 months, with the possibility of conversion to a permanent appointment depending on performance against agreed criteria.
• Candidates are expected to obtain the Dutch Basic Teaching Qualification (BKO), if they do not already possess an equivalent qualification.

Additional Benefits

• A full-time 38-hour working week with 232 hours of annual leave.
• An additional 96 holiday hours annually when working a 40-hour week.
• 8% holiday allowance.
• 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Solid pension scheme (ABP).
• Contribution to commuting expenses.
• Access to a wide range of sports facilities at a modest charge.

About Us

Operations Analytics

The Department of Operations Analytics at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam studies how data can be transformed into better decisions for a variety of processes and operations.

Research focuses on analysing data-driven decision-making problems arising in industry and society, particularly in:

• Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• Sustainability
• Networks

By examining the mathematical structure and properties of these decision-making problems and developing novel data analysis and optimisation methods, the department provides both academic and practical insights into contemporary challenges.

Supported by government research grants and industry collaborations, the department publishes in top-tier journals and contributes to Master's programmes in:

• Transport and Supply Chain Management
• Econometrics and Operations Research

The department also contributes to PhD and postgraduate education.

School of Business and Economics

The School of Business and Economics (SBE) at VU Amsterdam combines socially relevant teaching and research in business administration and economics.

Research addresses real-world challenges with major societal, economic and environmental impact, including:

• Robotics
• Big Data
• Labour market participation
• Change management

The School values:

• Collaboration
• Cooperation
• Transparency
• Social responsibility

Students, researchers and staff work together to develop solutions to global economic and societal challenges.

SBE employs approximately:

• 600 staff members
• 7,250 Bachelor's and Master's students
• 1,700 executive education students

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. The university promotes open-minded thinking, entrepreneurship, diversity and social responsibility while working towards sustainable solutions with societal impact.

By collaborating across disciplines, the university aims to contribute to a better world for people and the planet.

The university provides a safe, respectful and inspiring environment for education and research.

Located on a single campus in Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, the university employs more than 6,150 staff and serves over 31,000 students.

Diversity

Diversity is a driving force at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

The university aims to be accessible and welcoming to people from diverse disciplines, cultures, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews.

VU Amsterdam believes that trust, respect, curiosity and diversity foster innovation, excellence and broader understanding.

The university is committed to an inclusive community where diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and services.

Applicants whose backgrounds and experiences enrich the diversity of the VU community are especially encouraged to apply.

Interested?

If you are interested in this position and believe your experience will contribute to the further development of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, you are encouraged to submit your application.

Please note:

• Submission of your diploma and a reference check are part of the application process.
• Applications submitted by email will not be considered.
• Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

Questions About the Vacancy?

Prof. Dr. W.E.H. Dullaert
Professor of Supply Chain Logistics