Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Optimisation for Decision Support in Disaster Response
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Optimisation for Decision Support in Disaster Response

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Optimisation for Decision Support in Disaster Response

Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
University of Leeds

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Develop advanced decision-support models for disaster response and improve resource allocation.
  • Company: Join Leeds University Business School, a leading research-intensive university.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 42 days of holiday, generous pension, and health perks at our state-of-the-art gym.
  • Other info: Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and contribute to innovative, impactful research.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in disaster management while advancing your research career.
  • Qualifications: Background in operations research, optimisation, or analytical modelling is essential.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

Are you an ambitious researcher looking for your next challenge? Do you have a background in operations research, optimisation, or analytical modelling for decision support? Do you want to further your career in one of the UK’s leading research‑intensive universities? We are seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to develop and apply advanced decision‑support models for disaster response operations, with specific emphasis on debris operations management and wildfire suppression.

The post will be based within Leeds University Business School, in the Analytics, Technology and Operations Department (ATOD), and forms part of the international ITEA4 SIREN project, which focuses on evidence‑based, data‑driven support for disaster management and emergency response decision making. As a member of ATOD, you will join a growing community of scholars working at the intersection of analytics, optimisation, technology, and operational decision making.

You will have opportunities to collaborate with interdisciplinary research centres across the School, engage with partners in the SIREN consortium, and contribute to a vibrant environment that supports innovative, impactful research in operations and analytics. The post holder will develop new optimisation models and algorithms to support operational and real‑time decision making in disaster response contexts, with the aim of improving resource allocation and system performance under uncertainty.

This includes formulating complex decision problems, designing deterministic and real‑time solution methods, and contributing to high‑quality academic publications and project dissemination.

Interview expected to take place 7 May 2026 from 2:30pm onwards.

Benefits:

  • 26 days holiday plus approximately 16 bank holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – 42 days a year.
  • Generous pension scheme plus life assurance – the University contributes 14.5% of salary.
  • Health and wellbeing: discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state‑of‑the‑art campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
  • Personal development: access to courses run by our Organisational Development.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Optimisation for Decision Support in Disaster Response employer: University of Leeds

Leeds University Business School is an exceptional employer for ambitious researchers, offering a vibrant and collaborative environment that fosters innovative research in analytics and decision support. With generous benefits including 42 days of holiday, a robust pension scheme, and access to state-of-the-art facilities, employees are supported in their personal and professional growth while contributing to impactful projects in disaster response. The opportunity to engage with interdisciplinary teams and partners enhances the work culture, making it a rewarding place to advance your career.
University of Leeds

Contact Detail:

University of Leeds Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Optimisation for Decision Support in Disaster Response

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former researchers at Leeds University Business School. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a foot in the door.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for your interview by diving deep into the ITEA4 SIREN project. Knowing the ins and outs will show you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to disaster response operations.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your skills! Bring examples of your previous work in optimisation and analytical modelling to the interview. Real-life applications can make you stand out from the crowd.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Optimisation for Decision Support in Disaster Response

Operations Research
Optimisation
Analytical Modelling
Decision Support Systems
Advanced Decision-Support Models
Debris Operations Management
Wildfire Suppression
Data-Driven Decision Making
Resource Allocation
System Performance Improvement
Complex Decision Problem Formulation
Deterministic Solution Methods
Real-Time Solution Methods
Academic Publication Writing
Project Dissemination

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in operations research and optimisation. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of the Postdoctoral Research Fellow role.

Showcase Your Research Impact: When detailing your previous work, focus on the impact of your research. We’re interested in how your analytical modelling has contributed to decision support in disaster response or similar fields.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key achievements stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’d be a great fit!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at University of Leeds

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of operations research, optimisation, and analytical modelling. Be ready to discuss specific models or algorithms you've worked with, especially those relevant to disaster response. This shows you're not just familiar with the theory but can apply it in real-world scenarios.

✨Show Your Passion for Research

Express your enthusiasm for innovative research in disaster management. Share any previous projects or experiences that highlight your commitment to impactful research. This will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate that you're a good fit for their vibrant research community.

✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions

Expect to tackle some complex decision problems during the interview. Practice articulating your thought process when formulating solutions. Use examples from your past work to illustrate how you approach problem-solving, particularly in high-pressure situations like disaster response.

✨Engage with the Team's Work

Familiarise yourself with the ITEA4 SIREN project and the work being done at Leeds University Business School. Mention specific aspects of their research that resonate with you and how you see yourself contributing. This shows that you're proactive and genuinely interested in joining their team.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Optimisation for Decision Support in Disaster Response
University of Leeds

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