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 who are 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. 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:

1. Global Operations. Configuration, coordination, and improvement of global production networks, incl. geopolitical issues and supply resilience. 
2. Operational Excellence. Lean, quality management, sustainability, and change management from the shopfloor to strategic initiatives.
3. Behavioral Operations. The role of humans in human-technology cooperation, knowledge management, and the operator of the future.
4. Smart Manufacturing. Application of digitalization, machine learning, analytics, and other Industry 4.0 technologies in manufacturing.

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 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

The doctoral students will become part of one of the two ambitious research teams, both offering outstanding research environments and team spirit. Candidates at both institutions will contribute to the cross-institutional cooperation project.

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

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!

New deadline: The deadline is August 31, 2025, but we evaluate candidates on a rolling basis. We encourage early submissions.

Further information about POM  and ITEM.

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

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.