Postdoctoral Researcher or Senior Scientist in Production and Operations Management

Organisation/Company

ETH Zürich

Research Field

Economics » Management studies
Economics » Other
Engineering » Industrial engineering
Engineering » Mechanical engineering

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

Switzerland

Application Deadline

26 May 2025 - 21:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

41

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Postdoctoral Researcher or Senior Scientist in Production and Operations Management

The Chair of Production and Operations Management (POM), headed by Prof. Torbjørn Netland, at the Department of Management, Technology, and Economics (D-MTEC) at ETH Zurich has an open position as Postdoctoral Researcher (or Senior Scientist) in Smart Manufacturing and/or Operational Excellence.

The Chair of POMat ETH Zurich conducts empirical and innovative POM research with high relevance. We publish across engineering and management disciplines, targeting top conferences and journals. Emphasis is on top empirical research in collaboration with companies. 

Project background

To strengthen our team, we are looking for outstanding candidates who have proven capabilities to conduct and publish leading-edge research in production management in collaboration with companies or using company-level data. We are looking for candidates with expertise in either Smart Manufacturing and/or Operational Excellence:

• Smart Manufacturing covers the application of digitalization, machine learning, analytics, and other Industry 4.0 technologies in manufacturing.
• Operational Excellence covers traditional industrial engineering and management topics like lean production, world-class manufacturing, workforce augmentation, and continuous improvement.

The right candidate may also be invited to take on supervision or leadership roles in the newly established ETH-HSG Manufacturing Alliance, where two top universities collaborate with leading global firms like J&J, Nestle, Roche, Novartis, Schindler, Givaudaun and others. 

Job description

We offer a full-time position with a competitive salary in accordance with ETH standards . The position will help the candidate advance his/her academic career. The main activity of the job is research, with an emphasis on publishing in top Industrial Engineering and POM journals (for example, JOM, POM, M&SOM, Management Science, IJPR, IEEE TEM, CII, JMS,  etc.). Part of the research will include co-supervision of doctoral students with joint opportunities for publication. Secondary job roles may include research project acquisition and management. The candidate can expect limited teaching and service duties. There is flexibility concerning the starting date to accommodate the selected candidate’s availability. The contract is limited to 2-6 years. ETH Zurich rules apply.

Profile

We are looking for a candidate with a background in industrial engineering or operations management who would like to advance their career by contributing to the Chair of POM. The Chair of POM focuses solely on empirical research. Candidates with a mathematical modeling/Operations Research background are discouraged from applying unless their profile also includes a substantial empirical element.

The successful candidate will be close to completion or have a Ph.D. degree from a recognized university. First-rate oral and written English skills are required. For this job, fluency in the German language is an advantage due to potential collaboration with Swiss manufacturers, but not a strict selection criterion. The working language is English.

Very strong research and writing skills are expected. A successful research profile clearly prioritizes research quality over quantity. We look for candidates with innovative and realistic research ideas. Candidates with long publication lists where a majority of papers appear in lower-tier journals are explicitly discouraged from applying.

We are looking for someone with strong team player skills. Industrial experience is beneficial but not a prerequisite. The successful candidate will become part of an ambitious and fun research team, offering an excellent research environment. 

We offer

• Your career with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society.
• We are actively committed to a sustainable and climate-neutral university .
• You can expect numerous benefits , such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ , childcare and attractive pension benefits .

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich We value diversityIn 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.Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• CV
• statement of motivation and research interests (1-2 pages)
• transcripts of all obtained degrees (in English or German)
• names and contact information of three references
• two selected publications 

Please address your application to Prof. Netland. First deadline: March 31, 2025. We review applications continuously.

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

Further information about POM Chair can be found on our website . For any further information, please contact Ms. Sharon Teitler steitler@ethz.ch (no applications!).

About ETH ZürichETH 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.

Website

https://academicpositions.com/ad/eth-zurich/2025/postdoctoral-researcher-or-sen…

Research Field

Economics

Years of Research Experience

4 - 10

Research Field

Economics

Years of Research Experience

4 - 10

Research Field

Engineering

Years of Research Experience

4 - 10

Research Field

Engineering

Years of Research Experience

4 - 10

Website for additional job details

https://academicpositions.com

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

ETH Zürich

Country

Switzerland

City

Zurich

Postal Code

8006

Street

Rämistrasse 101

Geofield

City

Zurich

Website

https://ethz.ch/en.html

Postal Code

8006

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