ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Scholarship in Optimization for Robust Railway Timetables (2026)
Scholarship Description
The ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Scholarship in Optimization for Robust Railway Timetables offers a unique research opportunity to address one of the most challenging problems in transport systems: designing railway timetables that are robust against delays and disruptions. Despite the excellent quality of public transport in Switzerland, the railway system needs to increase performance (travel time, delays) and capacity to meet ambitious policy and environmental goals. Traditional timetables are based on predetermined routes and schedules with little flexibility to adjust to unexpected circumstances, leading to delay propagation across the network.
This project focuses on large-scale optimisation for railway timetabling using Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) and Logic-Based Benders-Decomposition approaches. The research aims to quantify how small delays develop and propagate, determine robust timetables with suitable buffers and running time reserves, and design timetables that perform better under delays. The position is a collaboration with industry (a railway infrastructure manager) and an international cooperation with the Complex Systems group at Utrecht University in the Netherlands.
The ideal start date is between September 2026 and April 2027, with the initial contract planned for one year, extendable based on performance for up to 2 years.
Scholarship Location
The position is based at ETH Zurich in Zurich, Switzerland, at the Institute for Transport Planning and Systems (IVT). The project involves collaboration with industry partners in Switzerland and international cooperation with Utrecht University in the Netherlands.
Scholarship Deadline
Applications must be submitted by 6 July 2026. Only applications submitted through the ETH Zurich online application portal will be considered.
Application Deadline: 6 July 2026
Ideal Start Date: September 2026 – April 2027 (negotiable)
Contract Duration: 1 year (extendable to 2 years based on performance)
Recommendation: Submit your application well before the deadline. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
Host Institution
ETH Zurich – one of the world's leading universities specialising in science and technology. The Institute for Transport Planning and Systems (IVT) conducts cutting-edge research on transport systems, mobility, and infrastructure planning. The project is carried out in collaboration with an industry partner (railway infrastructure manager) and the Complex Systems group at Utrecht University.
Level and Fields of Study
Level: Postdoctoral Research.
Fields of study: Transport Sciences, Management/Decision Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Econometrics, Statistics, Computer Science, Physics, or related fields.
Key research areas:
- Large-scale optimisation for railway timetabling (MILP, IP, LP)
- Robust timetable design under delays and disruptions
- Modelling delay propagation in railway networks
- Multi-objective optimisation and non-scalar objective functions (probability of delays)
- Logic-Based Benders-Decomposition approaches
- Integration of simulation models with optimisation
Target Group
This position is open to highly motivated postdoctoral researchers from all nationalities who hold (or are about to receive) a Doctoral Degree in a relevant field. The ideal candidate has a strong research vision, academic ambition, and a track record in analysing, modelling, and optimising transport systems.
Scholarship Duration & Amount
Duration: Initial contract of 1 year, extendable based on successful performance for up to 2 years.
Funding: This is a fully funded postdoctoral position with a competitive salary according to ETH Zurich standards for postdoctoral researchers.
Benefits include:
- Full social security and pension benefits
- Paid holiday leave
- Access to ETH Zurich's vast training program
- Public transport season tickets and car sharing
- Wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ
- Childcare and attractive pension benefits
- Family-friendly working environment
- Active commitment to a sustainable and climate-neutral university
📊 Summary of Benefits:
Duration: 1 year (extendable to 2 years)
Salary: Competitive (ETH Zurich postdoctoral scale)
Additional: Full social benefits + training programs + family-friendly workplace
Scholarship Eligibility
Required qualifications:
- A Doctoral Degree (PhD) in transport sciences, management/decision sciences, applied mathematics, econometrics, statistics, computer science, physics, or related fields (or about to receive).
- A consistent research track record showing potential for analysing, modelling, control, and optimisation of transport systems.
- Excellent programming skills and ability to program independently complex software.
- Ability to model and work with algorithmic design, existing software, and data provided by industrial partners.
- Knowledge of mathematical optimisation (MILP, IP, LP) and/or control sciences.
- Team working and communication skills – ability to work in an interactive international environment with doctoral students, post-docs, and senior scientists.
- Fluent spoken and written English is mandatory.
Desirable (not required):
- Knowledge of German or similar languages (a plus).
✅ Eligible Candidates
- PhD in transport sciences, applied mathematics, computer science, or related fields.
- Strong research track record in transport systems optimisation.
- Proficiency in mathematical optimisation (MILP, IP, LP).
- Excellent programming skills.
- Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
- Fluent in English.
❌ Ineligible Candidates
- Without a Doctoral Degree (PhD).
- No experience in transport systems optimisation or mathematical programming.
- Insufficient programming or modelling skills.
- Lack of English proficiency.
Application Procedure
- Prepare required documents – Gather the following:
- Motivation letter – describing how your experience and motivation fit the profile of the position
- CV – with a list of publications
- Diploma and PhD copies – academic certificates
- Two reference letters – from academic referees
- Submit online application – Applications must be submitted exclusively through the ETH Zurich online application portal (job reference JOPG_ethz_g50OpI0fA4iH7MWlIn).
- Application deadline – Submit by 6 July 2026.
- Application review and pre-selection – Pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters (not by artificial intelligence).
- Interviews – Shortlisted candidates are contacted for interviews.
- Offer – Successful candidates receive a formal offer from ETH Zurich.
Important notes:
- Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
- For questions regarding the position, contact Prof. Dr. Francesco Corman at [email protected] (no applications).
- ETH Zurich values diversity and sustainability and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background.
Official Website & Application Link
ETH Zurich – Postdoctoral Researcher in Optimization for Robust Railway Timetables
ETH Zurich Website: https://ethz.ch
Institute for Transport Planning and Systems: https://www.ivt.ethz.ch
Questions: Prof. Dr. Francesco Corman ([email protected])
💡 Final Thoughts and Key Requirements
The ETH Zurich postdoctoral scholarship in optimization for robust railway timetables offers a unique opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research with real-world impact on Switzerland's railway system. Working at the intersection of mathematical optimisation, transport science, and industry collaboration, successful candidates will contribute to developing more resilient and efficient public transport networks.
Key strategies for a successful application:
- Highlight your PhD in transport sciences, applied mathematics, computer science, or related fields and any relevant research experience.
- Emphasise your expertise in mathematical optimisation (MILP, IP, LP) and experience with algorithmic design.
- Showcase your programming skills and ability to work independently with complex software.
- Demonstrate your research track record with publications in transport systems, optimisation, or related fields.
- Write a compelling motivation letter explaining your interest in railway timetabling and robust optimisation.
- Secure two strong reference letters from academic referees.
- Submit your application well before the 6 July 2026 deadline.
Important reminders: Applications are only accepted through the ETH Zurich online portal. Do not send applications by email or post. The ideal start date is between September 2026 and April 2027. ETH Zurich is committed to diversity and sustainability — all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. For questions, contact Prof. Dr. Francesco Corman (no applications).
ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Scholarship – Railway Timetables Optimization – FAQ
What is the duration of the postdoctoral position?
The initial contract is for 1 year, with the possibility of extension based on successful performance for up to 2 years.
What is the salary?
The salary is competitive according to ETH Zurich postdoctoral standards, with full social benefits, pension, and family-friendly policies.
What qualifications are required?
A PhD in transport sciences, applied mathematics, computer science, or related fields, with a strong research track record in optimisation, modelling, or transport systems.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 6 July 2026. Applications are only accepted through the ETH Zurich online portal.
What research will I work on?
You will work on large-scale optimisation for robust railway timetables using MILP and Logic-Based Benders-Decomposition approaches, collaborating with industry and Utrecht University.
Do I need to speak German?
No, the working language is English. Knowledge of German is a plus but not required.
What documents do I need to submit?
A motivation letter, CV with publications, diploma and PhD copies, and two reference letters.