Bulk shipping plays a vital role in global trade, transporting commodities such as iron ore, coal, grain, and fertilizer. Unlike liner shipping, bulk vessels operate without fixed schedules or predetermined routes, requiring operators to continuously adapt vessel deployments and cargo assignments to changing market opportunities and operational constraints. These planning decisions are further complicated by a range of uncertainties, including weather conditions, port operations, and cargo-specific requirements. A critical but often overlooked challenge is the uncertainty associated with cargo hold cleaning and the associated inspection processes, which can significantly affect vessel schedules, operational costs, and emissions
SCRUB (Scheduling, Cleaning and Routing under Uncertainty in Bulk Shipping) is a 2-year research project that aims to develop novel mathematical models and decision-support tools that explicitly account for uncertainties related to cleaning operations, inspection outcomes, weather conditions, and other operational processes. The project will combine real-world industry data and close collaboration with a Danish bulk shipping company to develop advanced optimization and analytics methods that improve routing, scheduling, and fleet utilization decisions while enhancing the robustness of operational schedules in the presence of uncertainty.
SCRUB is funded by the Danish Maritime Fund and involves collaboration with leading shipping companies in Denmark.
Based in Copenhagen — consistently ranked among the world's most liveable cities — you'll enjoy a high quality of life, a safe and sustainable urban environment, and a thriving cultural scene. At the same time, you'll be part of a vibrant, interdisciplinary research community at one of Europe's top technical universities, known for its commitment to innovation, societal impact, and diversity.
Responsibilities and qualifications
As part of the SCRUB project, you will develop advanced optimization models and solution algorithms for robust scheduling and routing of bulk carriers under operational uncertainty. We are looking for candidates with:
As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).
We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.
Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: https://www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures
The period of employment is 2 years (24 months). Starting date is 1 January 2026 (or according to mutual agreement).
You can read more about career paths at DTU here
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor, Richard Lusby (DTU), tel.: +45 4525 3084, email: rmlu@dtu.dk
You can read more at www.man.dtu.dk
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 15 September 2026 (23:59 Danish time)
Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file The file must include:
Applicants not providing all the above material will not be considered.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.
DTU Management conducts excellent research at the intersection of management, technology and economics. We develop solutions in close cooperation with companies and public authorities. Our research aims at strengthening welfare, productivity and sustainability within society. A key element is the role of technology and its interaction with industry and individuals. The department offers a wide range of courses and programs at bachelor, master, and PhD levels across DTU's study programs. The department has 200+ employees with around half of the staff coming from abroad.
DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.
