[Opt-Net] PhD position in Data-driven optimization for sustainable network design (InnoRenew CoE and University of Primorska)

[Miklos Kresz]

A PhD position is available at the University of Primorska and InnoRenew 
CoE, Slovenia in the topic “Data-driven optimization for sustainable 
network design”. The successful candidate will be part of InnoRenew 
Center of Excellence’s ICT research group (Izola, Slovenia) and as a 
doctoral student will enroll in the Computer Science doctoral program at 
the University of Primorska (Koper, Slovenia).

Using networks to model real-world problems is a powerful tool, as they 
provide an efficient abstraction that can be used to analyse the 
structure of the task at hand. Ranging from sensor networks to supply 
chains, there is an underlying complex network for a wide array of 
different everyday applications. Sustainability plays an important role 
in the design of these networks when considering various optimisation 
questions such as energy minimisation or the reuse of waste materials. 
The objectives and constraints of these optimisation problems are 
generally strongly influenced by a large amount of available measured 
data.

Tasks and Goals
The focus of the research is to analyse the underlying structure of 
selected real-world problems and design efficient network 
representations for them. The above goal is intended to be achieved by:
•	Collecting and studying available data related to the problems, 
identifying crucial underlying information;
•	Using the extracted information, efficient solution methods should be 
developed for problems arising in these networks. Mathematical 
programming and metaheuristic approaches can both be used for this 
purpose;
•	Showing the efficiency of the developed tools and methods by 
implementing simulation environments.
The methods and tools developed above will be adapted for real-world 
data in connection with interdisciplinary projects. The successful 
candidate will also contribute to applications for grant-funded research 
projects and publish their research in high-level international journals 
and prestigious conferences in the field.

Required qualifications
•	Master’s degree in computer science, information technology, 
mathematics, or related area
•	Strong command of at least one major high-level programming language 
(e.g. C++, Java, Python)
•	Solid background in algorithm design and data structures
•	High motivation to carry out interdisciplinary research projects
•	Ability to solve complex problems with the development of methodical 
and analytical approaches
•	Strong written and oral communication skills in English
•	Ability to interact with industry and other researchers

Preferred qualifications
•	Experience in implementing graph algorithms
•	Strong operations research background
•	Knowledge of optimization and modelling software
•	Participation in applied research projects (industrial or 
grant-funded)
•	Ability to formulate and communicate new research ideas and prepare 
research proposals

The InnoRenew CoE (https://innorenew.eu/) was established based on a 
flagship project funded by the European Commission and the Republic of 
Slovenia.

Interested applicants should send:
•	Curriculum vitae
•	Motivation letter for this position
•	Summary of previous research experience (master’s thesis, for example)
•	Certified copy of master´s degree certificate and official transcript 
of records, and their translations, if the originals are not in English.
All materials should be in English and submitted in PDF format.

Please send application via e-mail to: coe at innorenew.eu

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the 
position is filled. For further information about the research topic 
please contact Dr. Miklós Krész (miklos.kresz at innorenew.eu).