Offer Description Doctoral Students in Production Management
The Chair of Production and Operations Management (POM) (Prof. Netland) at D-MTEC, ETH Zurich, in cooperation with the Institute of Technology Management Division Production Management (ITEM) (Prof. Friedli) at the University of St. Gallen (HSG), is looking for up to 2 new doctoral students to be hired by ETH Zurich or HSG to join the newly established ETH-HSG Manufacturing Alliance. The alliance currently has 14 industrial partners: Roche, Roche Diagnostics, Novartis, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Takeda, SHL Medical, Nestlé, Lindt & Sprüngli, Givaudan, Schneider Electric, Schindler, Endress+Hauser Flowtec, VAT Group, and SFS Group.
This is a unique opportunity for top talent passionate about next-generation production management.
Apply to two top institutions with one application! The Chair of POM at ETH Zurich and ITEM at HSG both conduct empirical and innovative production management research with high relevance and impact. These positions are ideal for candidates interested in completing a doctorate at the intersection of industry and academia, with close cooperation with industry partners and cross-institutional exchange.
We are looking for candidates interested in one or several of the following topics:
Global Operations: Configuration, coordination, and improvement of global production networks, including geopolitical issues and supply resilience.
Operational Excellence: Lean, quality management, sustainability, and change management from the shopfloor to strategic initiatives.
Behavioral Operations: The role of humans in human-technology cooperation, knowledge management, and the operator of the future.
Smart Manufacturing: Application of digitalization, machine learning, analytics, and other Industry 4.0 technologies in manufacturing.
Project background
The positions are part of a new and ambitious cross-institutional project with multinational industry partners that started in 2025.
We offer regular research associate positions with a competitive salary according to ETH standards at ETH Zurich and HSG standards at HSG. Candidates will be involved in teaching and supervision activities at their respective home institutions. Please indicate your preference for the home institution.
Starting date is flexible to accommodate the selected candidate’s availability. The typical duration for a doctoral student at ITEM and POM is four years. The contract is limited.
Profile Close to completion of or holding a Master’s degree from a recognized university.
Background in operations or supply chain management, production engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, applied analytics, economics, business administration, or related fields.
Familiarity with production and operations management and a passion for manufacturing.
Motivated by collaboration with industry partners.
Highly motivated, self-driven, with a record of excellent performance.
Some background in statistics and data analysis or aptitude in qualitative research methods.
Excellent oral and written English skills; interest in writing. Proficiency in German is a plus but not required.
Experience in industry through consulting or internships is advantageous.
We offer
Joining one of the two research teams provides an outstanding research environment and team spirit. Candidates will contribute to a cross-institutional cooperation project.
Applications must be submitted through ETH’s online portal. Please submit one application addressed to both institutions, including:
A statement of motivation and research interests (1-2 pages)
A CV
Transcripts of all degrees (in English or German)
Grade transcripts of any pending degrees
A writing sample (e.g., Master’s thesis extract or article)
Reference letters or contact details of referees
Early applications are encouraged as positions may be filled early. The deadline is August 31, 2025, with rolling evaluation. Questions should be directed via email to Dr. Oliver von Dzengelevski (ETH Zurich) and Dr. Mark Grothkopp (HSG).
About ETH Zurich: ETH Zurich is a leading university in science and technology, renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge research, and societal impact. Located in Europe’s heart, it fosters independent thinking and excellence, connecting globally to address major challenges.
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