Curious? So are we.

Applications must be submitted through ETH's online application portal . Please note that we only ask for one application addressed to both institutions. Please submit the following documents:

• a statement of motivation and research interests addressed to both Prof. Netland and Prof. Friedli (1-2 pages)
• a CV
• transcripts of all obtained degrees (in English or German)
• if applicable, grade transcripts of to-be-completed degrees
• a writing sample (usually an extract from the Master's thesis or an article)
• any reference letters or contact details of referees

We encourage early applications as we may fill the positions with early applicants. We look forward to receiving your application!

Deadlines: First deadline 30.11.2024; Second deadline 1.2.2025.

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Oliver von Dzengelevski at ETH Zurich (E-Mail schreiben) and Dr. Mark Grothkopp (E-Mail schreiben) at HSG (only via email, no applications).

The Institute of Technology Management (ITEM) was founded in 1989 with the support of the "Foundation for the Promotion of Technology Management, Technology Policy and Technology Transfer". The institute operates a research program, focussing predominantly on the development of problem and application orientated research concepts. The institute uses the "St.Gallen Navigators" as a holistic reference framework. The research program has been continuously improved since its establishment. The institute maintains close links to industry through intense collaboration with Swiss and European organisations by means of major research and consulting projects. Research results from publications and theses flow directly into courses while students can develop real world research through collaboration in the institute's industry projects.

The Institute of Technology Management, Division Production Management (ITEM, Prof. Friedli) at the University of St.Gallen (HSG), in cooperation with the Chair of Production and Operations Management (POM, Prof. Netland) at D-MTEC, ETH Zurich, is looking for up to four new doctoral students to be hired by ETH Zurich or HSG. This is a unique opportunity for top talent who are passionate about next generation production management. The positions are part of a new and ambitious cross-institutional project with multinational industry partners starting in 2025.

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. For these positions, we are looking for candidates interested in completing a doctorate at the intersection of industry and academia. Candidates can expect close cooperation with industry partners and cross-institutional exchange and cooperation.

We are looking for candidates interested in one or several of the following topics:

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  • Global Operations. Configuration, coordination, and improvement of global production networks, incl. 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. 
  
  We offer regular research associate positions with a competitive salary in accordance with ETH standards at ETH Zurich and with HSG standards at HSG. The candidates will be involved in teaching and supervision activities at their respective home institutions. The candidate should indicate their preference for the home institution.
  
  There is flexibility concerning the starting date to accommodate the selected candidate's availability. The average duration for a doctoral student at ITEM and POM is four years. The contract is limited.
  

Successful candidates...

• are close to completion of or hold a Master's degree from a recognized university
• have a background in operations or supply chain management, production engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, applied analytics, economics, business administration, or related fields
• are familiar with production and operations management and have a passion for manufacturing
• would be highly motivated by the opportunity to collaborate with one or several industrial partners
• are highly motivated, self-driven, and have a track record of excellent performance
• have some background in statistics and data analysis or aptitude in qualitative research methods
• possess first-rate oral and written English skills and an interest in writing. Proficiency in German is a plus but not a requirement
• have first or broad experience in industry through consulting or industry internships

"A place where knowledge is created" - As one of Europe's leading universities of economics and business administration, the University of St.Gallen (HSG), Switzerland, is committed to the education of over 9800 students. The HSG is one of the largest employers in the region and provides an attractive and innovative environment for more than 3300 researchers, educators and professional staff.