Research Associate, RESPOND-OR (x2 posts) (A2853)

Post 1: Mathematical Modelling, Integer Programming, Exact and Heuristic Algorithms

Post 2: Mathematical modelling, Data Management, Data Visualization, Software Development

RESilient Emergency Preparedness for Natural Disaster Response through Operational Research (RESPOND-OR) is a project funded by the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council, UK (EPSRC) involving Lancaster University, Universitas Indonesia, Universitas Gadjah Mada and University of Khartoum.  The post is advertised for 24months, however the final 3.5 months (October ‘21 – January ‘22) are dependent on funder approval of a project extension, which we expect to be granted subsequent to appointment of this position.

At Lancaster, RESPOND-OR will be undertaken by the Centre for Transport and Logistics (CENTRAL) Research.  Professor Konstantinos G. Zografos at Lancaster University is the Principal Investigator and overall Project Director.  Professor Juliana Sutanto, Dr Ahmed Kheiri and Professor Kevin Glazebrook are the Project Co-Investigators.

The Project represents a strong partnership between academia and emergency preparedness and response organisations (including governmental agencies and NGOs) for addressing problems contributing to sustainable socio-economic development. Our partners are Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB), Disaster Management Agency of the Yogyakarta Special Region (BPBD DIY), Humanitarian Forum Indonesia (HFI), RedR Indonesia and Nile Basin Institute (NBI).

RESPOND-OR will develop and implement novel mathematical models to capture the complexity, dynamic, and uncertainty characteristics of disaster preparedness and response decisions, along with efficient hyper-heuristic algorithms to enable the efficient, effective, and equitable allocation of disaster preparedness and response resources. The mathematical models, the solution algorithms, and the data management and visualisation tools will underpin the development of a Decision Support System (DSS) that will enhance the decision-making capabilities of disaster preparedness and response organisations in Indonesia and Sudan.

To achieve the project objectives, we seek to recruit two world leading post-doctoral researchers (RAs) with ambition, potential and determination.  RESPOND-OR is a highly collaborative Project.  You may also have the opportunity to work in other projects undertaken by CENTRAL.  Each Research Associate working on the project at Lancaster University will have at least one other ‘buddy partner’ in Indonesia and Sudan with whom they will collaborate.  You will also have opportunities to visit and collaborate with the industrial and academic organisations affiliated with the project. 

The main activities will include:

Innovative research investigation under the RESPOND-OR and other CENTRAL projects

Organisation of dissemination activities

Collaborative activities with partners and support organizations of RESPOND-OR and of other CENTRAL projects. 

Preparation of research papers

Preparation and presentation of conference papers

Other duties associated with CENTRAL’s research and engagement activities.

For informal enquires, or to discuss how you might fit into CENTRAL’s research activities please contact Professor Konstantinos G. Zografos (k.zografos@lancaster.ac.uk)

We welcome applications from people in all diversity groups.

Closing Date: 19 Nov 2019
Category: Research