PRR Project

Summary

The selected candidate needs to have a strong background in discrete/combinatorial optimization and in particular in one of the following two more specific areas:i) Polyhedral Theory - It is important to know how to relate the LP relaxation of several MILPs. For this, the candidate needs to have a strong background in the concept of projection when relating models defined in different spaces, and also of being able to identify facet defining inequalities of an associated polyhedra.ii) Graph Theory - Many relevant formulations for Network Design problems are based on strong characterizations of the underlying graph problem, e.g., center properties when studying problems with distance constraints, Menger´s Theorems when studying problems with survivability requirements, or independent sets to derive strong inequalities for clique-like Problems.Knowledge on graph theory might also allow the study of a new modeling technique based on defining the problems on layered graphs.Due to the extra information on the arcs and/or nodes, these graphs allow the modeling of very complex problems in an easier way, although with formulations of a larger size. Modeling guidelines concerning the solution of layered graph formulations by decomposition methods need to be strongly studied in order to make layered graphs a very useful modeling and solution tool.Research on these topics extends the expertise in discrete/combinatorial optimization as well as in polyhedral theory and in graph theory of the members of the Operations Research group in CMAFcIO.The CV of the selected candidate needs to include a list of high-level publications in the target area as well as membership in international research networks. The selected candidate is expected to form a research pole that would attract scientists from abroad for research collaboration, and to be active in the organization of conferences in her/his area of expertise.Relevant supervision experience of graduate students, enrollment on scientific activities with the industry and society, and experience in editorial roles will also be welcome. Experience in writing grant proposals to secure funding for future research initiatives will be much valued.In the department, the candidate will teach disciplines in the area of Operations Research, and Discrete Optimization in the Master’s course and specialized courses in the PhD program in line with the scientific culture of excellence promoted by CMAFcIO. It is relevant to have the candidate’s contribution in supervising Master´s and PhD students not only for her/his specific competences, but above all to attract and fix new students.Finally, although not the main reason for this proposal, departmental and faculty duties such as coordinating study cycles or even being a member of the scientific council will not be ignored. Moreover, the candidate may oversee academic responsibilities (at the department or faculty level) and be part of decision making.