Scientist / Senior Scientist – Planning, Scheduling & Optimization

About the role

Our client is seeking a highly motivated Scientist or Senior Scientist to lead research in advanced planning, scheduling, modelling, and optimization for complex manufacturing systems. The role involves translating research into deployable solutions in collaboration with industry partners.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct research into innovative optimization approaches for complex planning and scheduling problems, including flexible job shop scheduling.
• Develop mathematical models and optimization methods for large‑scale scheduling problems with multiple machines and resources.
• Collaborate with engineers to turn research outcomes into practical, deployable solutions across industry sectors.
• Engage with industry partners to understand real‑world planning and scheduling challenges and align research direction.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior scientists and engineers (Senior level).
• Lead funded research projects, including proposal development and stakeholder management (Senior level).

Required profile

• PhD in AI, Computer Science, Operations Research or a related field with a focus on optimization, planning or scheduling.
• Scientist: 0–3 years post‑PhD research experience; Senior Scientist: 5+ years post‑PhD experience with demonstrated R&D leadership.
• Strong track record of scientific publications in reputable journals or conferences.
• Experience securing competitive research funding is highly desirable, especially for senior positions.

Required skills

• Programming/coding skills for developing optimization algorithms.
• Mathematical modelling and optimization techniques.
• Knowledge of flexible job shop scheduling problems.