PhD Researcher

In the framework of the study POSEIDON-NG (Planned Operations and Scheduling Engine for Integrated Demining in Oceanic Navigation – Next Generation), we are looking for a full-time PhD researcher in mathematical optimisation with a Master’s degree in Engineering Science, Applied Sciences, Physics, Computer Science or Mathematics. The Royal Military Academy (RMA) is a military institution and is fully recognized as a university, fulfilling the same criteria as civilian universities. The RMA is also conducting scientific research at university level for projects funded by the Belgian Defense department or external sources. We value diversity and equal opportunities. We firmly believe that diversity enriches our community, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. PROJECT: You will work within the SMAC Unit (Simulation, Modelling, and Analysis of Complex Systems) of the department of Mathematics of the RMA and in close collaboration with the Belgian and Dutch Navies. You will conduct scientific research at university level, leading to a PhD degree, on a project entitled POSEIDON-NG. The project aims to develop a next-generation, uncertainty-aware scheduling capability (computer implementation) to assess, plan, and optimise Mine Countermeasure (MCM) missions carried out by unmanned systems. Responding to Belgium’s transition to standoff, drone-centric MCM operations under the Belgian–Dutch rMCM programme, the computer implementation must coordinate multiple unmanned surface, underwater, and aerial vehicles simultaneously, quantify and manage mission uncertainty (e.g., variable detection rates, timing variance, weather windows), generate efficient task sequences and routes, and adapt plans quickly as situational data evolves. The new POSEIDON-NG engine will serve as an advanced decision-support tool for the Belgian and Dutch Navies, providing reliable, conflict-free, risk-informed mission plans, rapid replanning, and operator-oriented features such as what-if (sensitivity) analysis and clear plan-quality indicators. The resulting capabilities will improve the planning, safety, tempo, and overall effectiveness of MCM operations and support the introduction of the new autonomous MCM fleet. This work builds on prior RMA research funded by Belgian Defence. The DAP/22-14 project (SBOS for MCM) delivered the POSEIDON prototype, a two-level mission-planning engine: a low-level module computes detailed vehicle trajectories, sensor-informed detection performance, and the corresponding execution times, while a high-level module uses this information to schedule tasks, allocate vehicles, and coordinate routes across the entire mission using combinatorial optimisation based on Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP). The prototype also established graph-based shortest-path computation between mine zones, automated generation of mine-threat areas, and a practical operator interface to configure mission parameters and visualise plans. The proposed research will extend this foundation with uncertainty quantification, a bidirectional planning loop enabling rapid replanning, scalable optimisation methods (decomposition, heuristics, hybrid solvers), and exploratory quantum(-inspired) optimisation, transforming a promising prototype into an uncertainty-aware, scalable, and deployment-ready operational tool. MAIN TASKS: Extension of the existing MILP-based scheduling formulation with uncertainty-aware constructs (robust, stochastic, or chance-constrained formulations). Development of a bidirectional coupling between the low-level trajectory and risk models and the high-level scheduler, enabling rapid mission replanning. Improvement of the scalability of the scheduling engine through MILP decomposition, heuristics and metaheuristics, and hybrid solver designs. Exploration of quantum and quantum-inspired optimisation methods (QUBO, QAOA, annealing-inspired heuristics) for selected combinatorial subproblems. Integration of all developments into the two-level POSEIDON-NG architecture and extension of the Graphical User Interface with operator-focused features (what-if analysis, plan-quality indicators). End-user engagement: definition and validation of representative MCM scenarios together with Belgian and Dutch Navy operators. Use best practices for code development and documentation. Attending and presenting at international conferences Writing scientific papers and a PhD thesis. SKILLS AND

EXPERIENCE:
Degree(s) required: Master’s degree in a STEM field (Engineering, Applied Sciences, Physics, Computer Science, or Mathematics). This is a 5-year PhD position: recent Master’s graduates are encouraged to apply; prior experience in optimisation or modelling and simulation is an asset. “MUST HAVE”

skills:
1.
Background in mathematical optimisation. Ideally with Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) and combinatorial optimisation. 2.
Experience in programming with Julia, C++ or Python. 3.
Ability to quickly understand and navigate complex systems and established code bases. “NICE TO HAVE”

skills:
1.
Knowledge of uncertainty quantification and stochastic or robust optimisation. 2.
Experience with MILP solvers, decomposition techniques (e.g., Benders decomposition, column generation) or metaheuristics (e.g., GRASP). 3.
Affinity with quantum computing and quantum optimisation (QUBO formulations, QAOA, quantum annealing). 4.
Knowledge of the maritime domain, naval mine countermeasures, or unmanned systems (USV/UUV/AUV). 5.
Collaboration in Software Development (GitHub) Personal

skills:
You conduct scientific research in an independent and upright way within a multidisciplinary environment and communicate your results in a clear, concise and precise manner. You take initiative, solve problems autonomously and find alternatives or solutions. You are flexible for change and adapt yourself. You commit yourself in your job by giving the best of your aptitudes in striving toward the highest quality standards and persevere when needed. Other

skills:
The applicant shall have good knowledge of English (oral / written). Minimum knowledge of French or Dutch is an added value for collaboration with peers. Good communication abilities to participate and engage with various end-users. Specific Requirements The researcher will be exposed to classified information and will therefore have to obtain the required security clearance. The candidate must consent with the background check required to obtain this clearance, which will be executed by Belgian Defence. Only applicants with a nationality of a country that is part of NATO will be eligible. Working for the Patrimony requires living in Belgium for the duration of the study. Travels throughout the study for workshops and conferences both in/out of the EU are expected. Application Please send by email: (in the body of your email) a summary containing Your affinity with the research topic Your academic degree and years of relevant experience how

your profile
matches the list of “must have” and “nice to have” skills listed above, keeping the same structure/numbering as in this job offer (in attachment) a CV Your nationality to Prof Dr ir Philippe Blondeel (Philippe.
Blondeel@mil.be) and to deao-staff-hrmgt-patrimony@mil.be Please mention clearly the reference of the project: “POSEIDON-NG” and please also precise your nationality. Application deadline: 25 November 2026. The interviews will take place at the Royal Military Academy, Hobbemastraat 8, 1000 Brussels. If needed, on-line interviews can be organized. The date and time of the interview will be communicated to the preselected candidates. Contract Expected date of recruitment: February 2027, in consultation with the applicant. Status: Full-time employment (38 hours / week) based on an open-ended contract with the Patrimony of the Royal Military Academy (you will not be a civil servant). If needed: Please note that your contract will be open-ended, but the financing of the contract will be tied to the funding project, which is guaranteed for the 60-month duration of the project (i.e. until January 2032). The financing of your contract beyond that period is therefore not 100% guaranteed. Wage scale: class NA11 (Master’s degree) ou NA21 (holder of an Ir degree or equivalent Master’s in Engineering Sciences). A salary simulation can be done here : simulateur de salaire .
RMA-Patrimony applies a merit-based research career track, allowing researchers to advance in wage scale based upon annual evaluations. Holiday pay. Extra legal benefits Possibility to benefit from a bilingualism allowance (Dutch/French) following a SELOR test; End-of-year bonus; Free DKV hospitalization insurance. Possibility of additional affiliation for one or more persons living under the same roof: spouse, child(ren) (50% of the price per additional member); Bike allowance / Free public transport (home-work commute); Meal vouchers (6€ / day); Digital allowance (15€/ month); Free access to campus sports facilities outside

working hours
; On-campus restaurant and cafeteria with democratic prices (discount on the daily menu); Flexible

working hours
within the 38-hour week; Teleworking possible with allowance (2 days / week max); Holidays: 29 days holiday / year from the 1st year of contract (then from 45 years: +1 day holiday every 5 years) 1 week OFF every year between Christmas and New year’s Eve (independent of the annual balance of holidays). Advantages and interesting offers thanks to the Benefits@work card (discounts, vouchers...); Entitlement to services offered by the ‘Office Central d'Action Sociale et Culturelle de la Défense’ (OCASC): among others holiday centres, discount on travel organised by the tour operator...; Possibility to benefit from the nursery funded by Belgian Defence (subject to availability). Workplace Royal Military Academy, Avenue de la Renaissance 30, 1000 Brussels. Occasional travels abroad for scientific conferences, meetings, etc.