An exciting, fully funded PhD studentship in industrial engineering starting from May 2027 is now available at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Windsor. The position is well-suited for researchers who aim at using optimization, analytics, artificial intelligence, and mathematical modeling to solve real-world problems in the domains of supply chain management, logistics, and healthcare.
The successful candidate will conduct research as part of an interdisciplinary research group with the joint supervision of Dr. Mehdi Najafi at the University of Windsor and Dr. Hossein Zolfagharinia at the Ted Rogers School of Management, Toronto Metropolitan University.
Position overview
The PhD scholar would be involved in developing advanced techniques for analysis and optimization to solve complex real-world operations-related problems. The project encompasses both research and practical application in high-impact industries like logistics, supply chain systems, and healthcare operations.
PhD in Industrial Engineering Research areas
The selected candidate may focus on one or more of the following areas:
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Optimization
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Data analytics and artificial intelligence
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Logistics and supply chain management
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Healthcare operations management
Research directions could include but are not limited to mathematical modeling, simulation, machine learning, forecasting, decision support systems, resource allocation, scheduling, network design, inventory control, or any other data-based approach towards improvement of the performance of an operation.
Such an approach would be especially appealing to those candidates who like quantitative research and want to make it practical and applied.
Who should apply for PhD in industrial engineering?
The post will attract motivated individuals with substantial academic and research experience. Preferably, the applicants are those with a master’s degree in industrial engineering, operations research, management science, computer science, or any closely related area.
The applicants must show:
- Research experience via master’s thesis, research project, or scholarly articles
- High level of analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills
- High proficiency in written and verbal English language communication
- Interest in conducting top-quality research for publication in prestigious international journals
- Familiarity with optimization, machine learning, simulation, statistics, or data analytics
Programming and analytical skills in languages like Python, R, MATLAB, GAMS, or any equivalent software would be an added advantage.
PhD in Industrial Engineering Funding
The PhD position offered is completely funded. Financial support for the position will come through research grants, graduate assistantships, and any other funding options available according to University of Windsor guidelines.
Interested candidates can contact the supervisor of this project for further information regarding the financial arrangement and requirements for the research project.
How to apply
Interested candidates should reach out to the main supervisor, Dr. Mehdi Najafi, prior to sending the formal application to the PhD program of the University of Windsor.
Applications should be sent as one PDF document by email containing:
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Transcripts
- Research interest statement, 1-2 pages
- Contact information of two/three academic referees
- Publications, if any
Send your application package to:
Dr. Mehdi Najafi: Email: [email protected]
Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis. Short-listed applicants will be asked for an online interview with the supervisors. Only those who are selected based on the interview will be asked to apply formally to the PhD program at the University of Windsor.
Infrastructure Risk & Community Resilience PhD position (Funded)
Tips for a stronger application
The competitive email and statement of research interests should be more than simply listing your credentials. Describe briefly how your previous experience fits into the topics advertised.
For instance, candidates with relevant experience in machine learning, mathematical modeling, simulation, programming, data analysis, supply chain management, healthcare analytics, or optimization must highlight:
- Problem or thesis topic on which they are working
- Analytical methodologies and software used by them
- Programming/modelling background that they have
- Any publications, papers presented at conferences, or other manuscripts under preparation
- The research focus area that they would like to pursue during their PhD
An appropriate subject line for the email could be something like the following:
Prospective PhD Applicant for Spring 2027 – Industrial Engineering
Final note
This represents an opportunity for good quantitative researchers to undertake full funding for doctoral studies at universities in Canada, leveraging the expertise that can be gained from both University of Windsor and Toronto Metropolitan University. It is important to note that because applications are evaluated on a rolling basis, it would be good for applicants to start the process early.
For formal admission requirements and deadline information, applicants should also consult the University of Windsor admission requirements page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this PhD position fully funded?
Yes. The position is fully funded by a combination of research funds, graduate assistantship positions, and other available funding sources that fall within University of Windsor policy guidelines. Please see the supervisor for more details regarding funding.
When does the PhD program begin?
The anticipated starting date is May 2027, or spring 2027.
Which university will award the PhD degree?
The doctoral student position is located in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada. The project will be conducted under co-supervision by the Ted Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan University.
Who will supervise the PhD student?
The successful candidate will be supervised collaboratively by:
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Dr. Mehdi Najafi, University of Windsor
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Dr. Hossein Zolfagharinia, Toronto Metropolitan University
What research areas are available?
The research may focus on one or more of the following areas:
-
Optimization
-
Data analytics and artificial intelligence
-
Logistics and supply chain management
-
Healthcare operations management
The project aims to develop analytical and optimization-based methods for real-world problems in logistics, supply chains, and healthcare.
What academic background is required?
A master’s degree in industrial engineering, operations research, management science, computer science, or a similar discipline is usually expected from applicants. In addition, the candidate must have research experience, such as working on their thesis or research projects/publications.
Are applicants from related quantitative fields eligible?
The call for applications also extends to those from related disciplines. Applicants from non-listed disciplines need to show adequate quantitative training, research experience, computer programming skills, and suitability to optimization, artificial intelligence, analytics, logistics, or healthcare operations research. Final eligibility should be confirmed with the supervisor.
Is programming experience required?
Programming is stated to be an asset, not a necessity. Programming experience in Python, R, MATLAB, GAMS, or any other comparable program would give you an edge, especially if you have done research on modeling, analytics, optimization, simulation, or machine learning.
What documents are required?
Prospective applicants should provide the above documents in one PDF file:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Transcripts from universities attended
- 1-2 page statement of research interests
- References from two to three academic referees
- Publications, where applicable
Should I apply through the University of Windsor immediately?
No. Interested applicants must first contact the main supervisor, Dr. Mehdi Najafi, prior to submitting a formal application for admission into the University of Windsor. Applicants who are selected will be interviewed via Skype, and selected applicants alone will be invited to apply formally for the PhD program.
Who should I contact to express interest in a PhD in industrial engineering?
Email Dr. Mehdi Najafi at [email protected]. Your email should briefly introduce your academic background, research experience, technical skills, and interest in the advertised research areas.
Is there a fixed application deadline for PhD in industrial engineering?
No closing date is mentioned in the announcement. The applications will be processed on a rolling admission basis. Therefore, the candidates need to contact the supervisor as soon as possible and send their documents.
Can international student apply for PhD in industrial engineering?
Yes. This will allow qualified applicants from different backgrounds and nationalities to apply. Foreign applicants should also take into consideration the documentation required for the University of Windsor’s graduate application.
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