PhD position in cross-border ambulance positioning

This position is embedded in the project CARE-FLOW. Its objective is to develop and evaluate algorithms for the healthcare sector and to improve the management of patient flows and capacities in a Dutch/German border region to ensure access to and efficiency of healthcare. Two distinct algorithms/mathematical models will be developed within the working package “Cross-border positioning of ambulances”. The first one optimizes ambulance positioning in Germany and the Netherlands based on demand forecasts linking incident locations with hospitals in the region. Planning is enhanced through real-time repositioning and predicting peak demands. The second algorithm/model analyzes cross-border collaboration, determining optimal ambulance positioning and conditions for collaboration. It evaluates whether collaboration is always beneficial or only under specific conditions. Both algorithms/models are intended for implementation into software products to be used by relevant decision-makers. You will work closely with key stakeholders of the project. The project's consortium comprises universities, specialised private companies, and healthcare providers from both sides of the border.

Job description
You will join the CARE-FLOW team in a cross-border setting, applying and improving models to forecast demand and capacity, as well as to decide on how to position ambulances. You will formulate, define and carry out relevant tasks which include the development, monitoring and testing of algorithms, statistical and mathematical models as well as the delegation of tasks to scientific assistants where necessary. The candidate supports the prototype implementation and scientifically sound evaluation and analysis of the results in the downstream work packages. Beyond these two intended outcomes, the project leaves much room to explore additional topics within the broad theme of the CARE-FLOW project.

The supervisory team consists of Dr. Sebastian Rachuba, Dr. Derya Demirtas and Prof. Dr. Erwin Hans and the candidate will be integrated into CHOIR (Center for Healthcare Operations Improvement and Research), an internationally renowned research group at the University of Twente, committed to improving healthcare services.

Requirements:

We look for a highly motivated researcher who is driven by curiosity and:

• Has experience with optimization, prediction/forecasting, coding (preferably in R or Python), Data Science, and/or Artificial Intelligence ;
• Has, or will shortly acquire, a quantitative master's degree or equivalent (e.g., in Operations Research/Management, Industrial Engineering, Applied Mathematics/Statistics, Econometrics, or Computer Sciences)
• Has a good team spirit and likes to work in an inter-disciplinary environment;
• Can perform independent research and willing to develop writing and publication skills;
• Possesses effective communication skills and an excellent command of English. Proficiency in either Dutch or German will be very useful.

Salary Benefits:

We encourage high responsibility and independence, while collaborating with colleagues, researchers, other university staff and partners. We follow the terms of employment by the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Universities (CAO). Our offer contains: a fulltime 4-year PhD position with a qualifier in the first year; excellent mentorship in a stimulating research environment with excellent facilities; and a personal development program within the Twente Graduate School. It also includes:

• Gross monthly salary of € 2.901 in the first year, increasing each year up to € 3.707 in the fourth year;
• Excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme;
• 29 holidays per year in case of full-time employment;
• A training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision;
• A green campus with free access to sports facilities and an international scientific community;
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid);
• A full status as an employee at the UT, including pension, health care benefits and good secondary conditions are part of our collective labour agreement CAO-NU for Dutch universities.

38 - 40 hours per week

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