The Sabanci University Smart Mobility and Logistics Lab (SML-Lab) offers a hosting institution role for Marie Sklodowska – Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships (PF) 2024 interested in emerging trends in sustainable last-mile delivery. The lab supports innovative approaches aimed at streamlining delivery practices, enhancing customer service, reducing both monetary and environmental costs, and improving overall efficiency.

HOST INSTITUTION:

Sabanci University, globally ranked in the top 1%, is celebrated for its research-oriented approach and innovation in Turkey. The institution's mission is to foster internationally competent individuals with a strong sense of social responsibility, evident in its diverse academic programs and cutting-edge facilities. Students benefit from the freedom to shape their programs, supported by the university's counseling system. Sabanci's research spans science, technology, and arts, with dedicated centers in various fields. Offering 11 undergraduate, 50 master's, and 17 PhD programs, the university provides interdisciplinary education to approximately 4500 undergraduates and 1054 graduate students. In 2024, Times Higher Education ranked Sabanci University 351-400 globally and 54th among 673 young universities from all over the world. With active research funding of over €40 million, derived from national and international sources (>50% from EC), the university is actively involved in numerous projects. This commitment is reflected in a substantial number of publications and patent applications, showcasing Sabanci University's significant contributions to knowledge and innovation.

SMART MOBILITY AND LOGISTICS LAB (SML):
Smart Mobility and Logistics Lab (SML) in Sabancı University focuses on transport logistics and mobility planning including urban transport, first-mile, long-distance and last-mile pickup/delivery operations, humanitarian logistics, electro-mobility, and sustainable logistics chains. SML team is equipped with extensive domain knowledge in logistics and transportation research and experienced in addressing multifaceted problems through systematic modeling approaches and effective solution methods using operations research tools and techniques. The Lab conducts research projects particularly on urban mobility, humanitarian logistics, and sustainable transport planning with a special emphasis on route optimization, electrification of logistics vehicles, battery performance analysis.

OFFER DESCRIPTION & REQUIREMENTS:

The rapid rise of e-commerce and quick commerce, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, has significantly increased last-mile deliveries. Consumers now expect their orders to be delivered quickly, free of charge, and at their convenience. However, this surge in delivery services has raised concerns about the environmental impact of logistics vehicles, congestion, noise, and public health, especially in urban areas. This situation has prompted logistics operators to seek sustainable solutions for their operations. To address the growing demand for last-mile delivery while promoting greener options, delivery operators are encouraged to develop innovative solutions and adopt advanced technologies and planning tools. These include but are not limited to, route and schedule optimization, artificial intelligence, machine learning, autonomous vehicles, crowdshipping micro-hubs, and smart lockers.

Researchers of any nationality in possession of a doctoral degree and those who have not resided in Türkiye for more than 12 months in the three years before the call deadline (11 Sept 2024) are eligible to apply. Please check the conditions and your eligibility at the following link: https://marie-sklodowska-curie...

How to apply?

For applications, the expression of interest should be submitted by email to Prof. Bülent Çatay via [email protected] with the subject "Expression of interest for the MSCA PostDoctoral Fellowship 2024 – SML - name of the candidate".
The Expression of interest should include the following information:

1) Curriculum Vitae
2) Sample publication(s)
3) A brief outline of the proposed research project with defined objectives (max 2 pages)
4) Motivation letter

Hosting Offers:

• Proposal writing / full review support by the Engineering and Natural Sciences Project Office
• Full support for project administration
• Access to key databases, software, and labs
• Full access to the university Information Center, Sports Center, and other available facilities and Research Centers