The impact of tacit knowledge on delivery route planning in urban environments

Applications are invited for our EPSRC funded Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) PhD studentships that will support six (6) research projects starting 1 October 2022. One of these projects is “The impact of tacit knowledge on delivery route planning in urban environments” led by Dr Susan Grant in the Department of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering

The project seeks to understand and quantify the impact of delivery driver tacit knowledge on route efficiencies across an urban environment. Using quantitative analysis of delivery manifests and location data, together with cognitive reasoning informing drivers’ decisions when navigating routes (qualitative analysis), the research explores how driver tacit knowledge can contribute to optimised and transferable urban route planning, with the aim of ensuring efficiencies in meeting delivery schedules and reductions in negative externalities such as pollution and congestion in cities. 

You must demonstrate skills in qualitative methodologies (especially interviewing skills) and quantitative methods. Experience of programming and algorithm building is an advantage. You should be a highly motivated individual and possess a strong sense of curiosity. The ability to study independently, think critically and collaborate with others is essential.

How to Apply

Email the documents below as a single PDF file to [Email Address Removed] by 16:00 on Friday 3 June 2022. Please state the name of the project supervisor in your email.

·      Your up-to-date CV;

·      Your 300-word personal statement setting out why you are suitable for this position;

·      Your Undergraduate/Postgraduate Masters degree certificate(s) and transcript(s);

·      Your English Language qualification of IELTS 6.5 overall or equivalent, if applicable;

·      Two references, one of which can be provided by a member of Brunel University academic staff.

Interviews will take place in June 2022.