PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow, Research Associate, and Research Assistant Positions
Mathematical Optimization × Artificial Intelligence × Large Language Models
Prof. Kai Pan of the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, Faculty of Business, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, invites applications for the following positions:
1–2 PhD students — expected entry: Fall 2027
Postdoctoral Fellows / Research Associates / Research Assistants — applications are welcome immediately
Successful candidates will conduct rigorous and impactful research at the intersection of operations research, mathematical optimization, artificial intelligence, large language models, and data-driven decision-making.
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Research Areas
Potential research topics include, but are not limited to:
1. Mathematical Optimization
• Stochastic and discrete optimization
• Robust and distributionally robust optimization
• Data-driven optimization
• Mixed-integer and nonlinear optimization
• Dynamic programming and decision-making under uncertainty
• Optimization theory, strong formulations, and efficient algorithms
2. Integration of AI and Optimization
• Learning-augmented optimization
• Decision-focused machine learning
• AI-assisted optimization modeling and algorithm design
• Neural and generative methods for combinatorial optimization
• Integration of predictive and prescriptive analytics
• Reliable and explainable AI for operational decision-making
3. Large Language Models and Decision Intelligence
• LLM-assisted mathematical modeling and optimization
• LLM agents for planning, scheduling, and decision support
• Automated generation of optimization models, algorithms, and code
• Integration of LLMs, operations research, and domain knowledge
• Evaluation, verification, and improvement of LLM-generated solutions
• Multi-agent systems for complex operational decisions
4. Application Areas
• Smart city operations
• Energy systems and electricity markets
• Autonomous, shared, and advanced air mobility
• Transportation and logistics
• Supply chain management
• E-commerce and digital platforms
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Candidate Profile
Applicants with backgrounds in the following or closely related disciplines are encouraged to apply:
• Mathematics and Applied Mathematics
• Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
• Operations Research and Industrial Engineering
• Statistics and Data Science
• Operations Management
• Electrical Engineering
• Transportation, Logistics, or other relevant disciplines
Strong candidates are expected to demonstrate one or more of the following:
• A solid foundation in mathematics, probability, statistics, or optimization
• Strong programming and computational skills
• Experience with optimization solvers, machine-learning frameworks, or large language models
• Previous research experience in optimization, AI, machine learning, or related areas
• Intellectual curiosity, research independence, and effective communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
A strong mathematical background and demonstrated AI skills will be particularly valuable.
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About Prof. Kai Pan
Prof. Kai Pan is an Associate Professor with tenure in Operations Management at the Faculty of Business of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He is also Director of the MSc Programme in Operations Management and Deputy Director of the Doctor of Business Management Programme.
Before joining PolyU, he worked as a Research Scientist at Amazon in Seattle on supply chain optimization and as a Power System Engineer at GE Grid Solutions in Redmond on electricity-market operations.
His research interests include stochastic and discrete optimization, robust and data-driven optimization, dynamic programming, artificial intelligence, large language models, and their applications in energy markets, smart cities, supply chains, shared mobility, marketing, and transportation.
His research has appeared in leading journals, including Operations Research, Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, INFORMS Journal on Computing, Production and Operations Management, IISE Transactions, European Journal of Operational Research, IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, and Transportation Research Part B.
Prof. Pan was the first-place winner of the IISE Pritsker Doctoral Dissertation Award in 2017 and received the PolyU Young Innovative Researcher Award 2025. He serves as an Associate Editor for IISE Transactions, Decision Sciences, and Omega. (polyu.edu.hk)
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Financial Support and Research Environment
• Competitive financial support will be provided.
• Successful PhD applicants may receive a full scholarship.
• Various fellowship and scholarship schemes are available at PolyU.
• Departmental or school-level scholarship support may also be available to successful PhD applicants.
• Successful candidates will have opportunities to pursue interdisciplinary research connecting optimization, AI, and real-world decision problems.
Details of PolyU’s fellowship and scholarship schemes are available from the Graduate School. (see the link at the end)
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About PolyU and PolyU Business School
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is an internationally recognized research university located in the heart of Hong Kong. In the latest available institutional rankings, PolyU is ranked:
• 50th worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2027; and
• 80th worldwide in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. (polyu.edu.hk)
The Faculty of Business, also known as PolyU Business School, is internationally recognized for its research excellence. Its latest major rankings include:
• 25th worldwide in Business and Economics in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026;
• 38th worldwide in the UTD Top 100 Worldwide Business School Rankings, based on research contributions to 24 leading business journals during 2021–2025; and
• 52nd worldwide in Business and Management Studies in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. (polyu.edu.hk)
Closely related to the proposed research areas, PolyU is also ranked 40th worldwide in Statistics and Operational Research in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
These rankings reflect PolyU’s strong international standing and its excellent research environment in business, operations research, mathematical optimization, artificial intelligence, and data-driven decision-making.
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How to Apply
Please email the following materials to:
Prof. Kai Pan
Email: kai.pan [at] polyu.edu.hk
Required materials
1. CV or résumé
2. Academic transcripts
Recommended supporting materials
3. A brief statement of research interests
4. Representative research paper, thesis, or academic writing sample, if available
5. GitHub repository or code sample, if relevant
Please indicate:
• The position for which you are applying
• Your research interests
• Your earliest possible starting date
Suggested email subject
Application for [PhD/Postdoc/RA] – [Your Name] – [Your Institution]
Further information
Personal website: https://sites.google.com/view/kaipanuf
PolyU official profile: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/lms/people/academic-staff/kai-pan/
Fellowship and scholarship schemes: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/gs/prospective-students/fellowship-scholarship-schemes/