Doctoral Researcher Position in Sustainable Supply Chain Management

100%, Zurich, Fixed Term

The Supply Chain Management Group (Prof. Dr. Stephan Wagner) at the Department of Management, Technology, and Economics at ETH Zurich invites applications for a PhD student / doctoral researcher position in Sustainable Supply Chain Management. The Supply Chain Management Group at ETH Zurich provides an inspiring, team-oriented research environment with a dynamic and international group of researchers. Our team has a strong track record of publishing in leading operations and supply chain management journals. The position offers close supervision and collaboration with leading faculty and senior researchers, as well as access to ETH Zurich’s excellent research infrastructure and strong international network of collaborators.

Full Job Description

Companies are increasingly expected to manage social sustainability issues within their supply chains. Several countries (e.g., France, Germany, Norway) have implemented supply chain due diligence regulations aimed at ending modern slavery and unsafe working conditions. However, such issues continue to occur within global supply chains. In this context, the successful candidate will conduct doctoral research using quantitative and qualitative research methods, including engagement with industry partners and analysis of secondary data. The candidate will be part of a research project led by Dr. Christian Wagner and Prof. Dr. Stephan Wagner.

Further responsibilities include supervising master’s theses, assisting with teaching, and participating in community outreach. Ideal candidates should be interested in and willing to write research-oriented papers for scholarly journals, academic proceedings, and practitioner journals. The dissertation is expected to consist of three high-quality papers intended for submission to top-tier journals.

Profile

We expect an excellent master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field, as well as excellent written and oral skills in English and, ideally, German. A high level of motivation for academic research is required. A strong background in empirical methods and data analysis using statistical or econometric techniques is necessary. Candidates with primarily analytical backgrounds and/or interests will not be considered. Candidates should demonstrate strong teamwork and social skills, as well as independence, proactivity, and exemplary organizational and project management abilities. Additionally, candidates should feel comfortable taking a leading role in research meetings with project partners and actively networking at conferences.

We Offer

• Become part of our ambitious and team-oriented Supply Chain Management Group

• Benefit from close supervision and collaboration with our international research partners

• Attend international academic conferences and present your work

• Benefit from ETH Zurich’s excellent research infrastructure, course offerings, and career development programs

• Enjoy numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare, a competitive salary, and attractive pension benefits

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your application. Please submit the following documents as a single merged PDF using only the ETH Zurich online portal. Title the document with your last and first name, as well as the application date (e.g., 20261022_lastname_firstname_application). Arrange the documents in the following order:

• Cover letter with a specific statement of your motivation for the position

• CV

• Name and contact information of two references

• University transcripts and other reference letters

• Representative published research work (e.g., papers, thesis chapters)

Further information about the Supply Chain Management Group can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Christian Wagner, cwagner@ethz.ch, (no applications).

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

The application deadline is November 30, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is therefore encouraged.

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