Research Assistant - AI Augmented Container Terminal Planning

Deadline:- 18th September 2026

A full-time Research Assistant position is available as a joint research opportunity between the Department of Computer Science & Engineering and the Department of Transport Management & Logistics Engineering, University of Moratuwa, under the supervision of Dr. Nisansa de Silva and Prof. Niles Perera.

The research focuses on AI-augmented planning and optimisation for container terminal operations at the Port of Colombo. The selected candidate will work with vessel and yard planners and real operational data to develop optimization, predictive modelling, data analysis, and explainable decision-support methods for interconnected vessel and yard planning problems, with the aim of reducing unnecessary container movements and operational delays while improving terminal utilization and vessel turnaround.

This position is particularly suitable for individuals interested in pursuing an MSc by Major Component Research while building a strong research profile in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Operations Research, optimisation, and maritime logistics. The position includes an attractive monthly stipend, up to 50% tuition waivers, opportunities to develop research prototypes using real operational data, and substantial field-based research inside the Port of Colombo.

Applications are collected via the Google Form: https://forms.gle/GKWt4e1Em4bXW7gu6