UAE Postdoctoral Fellow In Operations Research At United Arab Emirates University

University: United Arab Emirates University

Country: United Arab Emirates

Deadline: 2026-02-28

Fields: Operations Research, Optimization, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, Transportation

Are you passionate about advancing the future of autonomous transportation and eager to contribute to cutting-edge research in vehicle platooning and optimization? If you are looking for an opportunity to apply your expertise in operations research to real-world challenges and make a meaningful impact in the rapidly evolving field of smart mobility, this postdoctoral position at United Arab Emirates University could be your next career milestone.

Strong advancements in autonomous and electric vehicles are transforming the landscape of transportation globally. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), with its robust investment in smart infrastructure and innovation, stands at the forefront of these developments. This postdoctoral fellowship offers you the chance to work at the intersection of optimization, automation, and transportation, with direct implications for sustainability and efficiency in public and freight mobility.

About The University Or Research Institute

United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), established in 1977, is the UAE’s first and most prestigious national university. Located in the vibrant city of Al Ain, UAEU has a longstanding reputation for academic excellence and leadership in research and innovation. The College of Business and Economics at UAEU is renowned for its diverse academic community, offering English-medium education across five undergraduate and three postgraduate programs. With 82 faculty members representing 34 countries, the college is a hub for multicultural collaboration and global perspectives.

UAEU was the first university in the region to receive the prestigious AACSB accreditation in 2000, reflecting its commitment to the highest standards in business education. The university’s strategic location in Al Ain allows students and researchers to experience the rich cultural heritage of the UAE while enjoying access to world-class facilities and resources. The UAE itself is recognized as a global leader in smart city initiatives, autonomous mobility, and sustainable development, making it an exciting destination for researchers in advanced transportation systems.

Research Topic and Significance

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The central focus of this postdoctoral position is on “Vehicle Platooning for Autonomous Electric Vehicles.” Vehicle platooning refers to a group of automated vehicles traveling closely together in a coordinated manner, typically using advanced connectivity and automation technologies. This concept is gaining significant attention due to its potential to dramatically reduce fuel consumption, increase road capacity, and alleviate congestion, especially in freight and public transportation.

In the context of bus transportation, platooning enables dynamic adjustment of vehicle capacity in real time, responding efficiently to fluctuating passenger demand. While the theoretical benefits are well established, maximizing the economic and environmental gains from platooning in real-world applications requires sophisticated planning and optimization tools. The UAE, with its vision for smart mobility and leadership in autonomous vehicle deployment, provides an ideal testing ground for such innovative research.

This project aims to develop advanced decision-aid tools based on mathematical optimization, empowering decision-makers to optimize operational decisions related to platoon formation and trip planning for autonomous electric vehicles. The outcomes of this research have the potential to influence transportation policies and practices, not only in the UAE but globally, as cities and countries seek sustainable, efficient, and scalable mobility solutions.

Project Details

The selected postdoctoral researcher will join a dynamic research team within the College of Business and Economics at UAEU, working under the joint supervision of Dr. Mouna Kchaou Boujelben (Associate Professor at UAEU) and Dr. Adriana Gabor (Associate Professor at Khalifa University). The project focuses on planning and optimizing platooning operations for autonomous electric vehicles, with the goal of extending current methodologies to enhance their practical relevance and proposing innovative solution methods.

Key Responsibilities Include

– Developing mathematical optimization models and decision-aid tools for platoon formation and trip planning.

– Proposing novel extensions to existing models to address real-world constraints and requirements.

– Conducting numerical experiments using state-of-the-art optimization software.

– Designing and implementing new exact and/or heuristic solution approaches.

– Collaborating with a diverse team of researchers and contributing to high-impact publications.

The initial contract is for one year, with the possibility of extension by 2 to 6 months, depending on mutual agreement. The position offers an attractive salary, comprehensive health insurance, and one month of paid vacation. For candidates relocating from outside the UAE, round-trip airfare and visa fees will be covered.

Candidate Profile

This Position Is Ideally Suited For Candidates Who Possess

– A PhD in Operations Research, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

– A strong foundation in optimization techniques and programming skills.

– Demonstrated experience or publications related to transportation systems, vehicle routing, or smart mobility (preferred).

– A proactive and innovative mindset, eager to address complex, real-world challenges in transportation.

– The ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multicultural research environment.

Eligible Academic Backgrounds Include But Are Not Limited To

• Operations Research
• Computer Science
• Industrial Engineering
• Transportation Engineering
• Applied Mathematics
  
  

Application Process

The Application Process Is Straightforward And Transparent. Interested Candidates Should Submit Their Applications Through The Official UAEU Job Portal At The Following Link

https://jobs.uaeu.ac.ae/Postings/PostingDetails/4468

Please ensure that your application is submitted before the closing date: 2026-02-28.

For any questions or additional information, please refer to the official advertisement for application details.

Conclusion

This postdoctoral fellowship at United Arab Emirates University represents a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of autonomous transportation and optimization research in one of the world’s most innovative countries. If you are driven by a passion for solving complex transportation challenges and aspire to work in a vibrant, multicultural academic environment, we encourage you to apply and seize this exceptional career opportunity.

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