INFORMS Open Forum

Postdoctoral position at Cornell University

  • 1.  Postdoctoral position at Cornell University

    Posted 05-22-2017 09:26
    Edited by Samitha Samaranayake 05-22-2017 15:07
    The College of Engineering at Cornell University is searching for highly motivated postdoctoral research candidates interested in the general research area of analysis and optimization of networked transportation systems. The position will be part of an interdisciplinary research initiative that spans the Civil Engineering (Transportation), Operations Research and Applied Mathematics programs at Cornell University. 

    Project summary: The high level goal of the project is to study the emergent behavior in integrated multi- modal transportation systems where on-demand mobility services (e.g. Uber, Lyft, car2go, citiBike NYC, Velib, Via etc.) operate seamlessly with both each other and mass transit systems. An integrated system of this nature has the potential to greatly improve the efficiency and scalability of urban transportation, while concurrently reducing negative externalities such as congestion and pollution. We are interested in studying problems related to vehicle routing, integrated fleet management, pricing and incentive mechanisms, and demand estimation amongst others. The project will involve close partnerships with multiple private and public sector organizations in this space. 

    Job description: The postdoc will be part of a team working on the analysis and optimization of integrated on-demand transit systems. Being part of a cross departmental group, the postdoc will have the opportunity to interact with faculty members and students from multiple research groups at Cornell. The postdoc will be expected to carve out his/her own research problems within the scope of the project in collaboration with the PI's. The contributions are expected to be both theoretical and practical in nature, developing new methodologies and implementing them using real-world data from our industry collaborators. Successful candidates are expected to publish in top-tier journals and conferences in collaboration with faculty and students.

    Required background: We are looking for a creative and talented scientist with a good publication record and excellent organizational and communication skills. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in operations research, computer science, applied mathematics, civil engineering or a related field, with a strong background in either discrete optimization, algorithms, stochastic processes, control theory or data-driven optimization. The candidate is also expected to have experience with some high level programming language (e.g. Python). Finally, he or she must have an interest in both the theoretical aspects of networked transportation systems and the practical challenges of implementing this theory in the real-world. 

    To apply: Application materials must be submitted online at https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/9163 
    Through this web site, applicants are required to submit (1) a curriculum vita, (2) short research statement, (3) copies of two most signifi cant research articles and 4) contact information for three references. For further information, contact Samitha Samaranayake (samitha@cornell.edu) and Siddhartha Banerjee (sbanerjee@cornell.edu). 

    Review of applications will start immediately and continue until the position is filled. Start date can be as soon as Summer/Fall 2017, but is  flexible. Initial appointment will be for one year, with possible extensions. Salary conforms the Cornell University standard.  

    The College of Engineering at Cornell University is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. 


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    Samitha Samaranayake
    Assistant Professor
    Cornell University
    http://cee.cornell.edu/samitha/

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