Doctoral Researcher Position in Sustainable Supply Chain Management

Immigration Policy Lab; Zürich; On-site; CHF 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Team-oriented group

Close supervision

Attend international conferences

Excellent research infrastructure

Public transport season tickets

Car sharing

ASVZ sports

Childcare

Competitive salary

Pension benefits

Job summary

ETH Zürich invites applications for a PhD student/doctoral researcher position in Sustainable Supply Chain Management within the Department of Management, Technology, and Economics. The role focuses on researching social sustainability in supply chains, using quantitative and qualitative methods, with opportunities to supervise theses and teach.

The successful candidate should hold a master's degree in a related field, possess strong English skills and ideally German, and have a solid background

Qualifications

• PhD-level research experience and strong motivation for academic work.
• Excellent written and oral English; German language skills preferred.
• Strong background in empirical methods and econometric/data analysis.
• Ability to supervise theses and collaborate across partners.
• Willingness to publish in top-tier journals.

Responsibilities

• Conduct doctoral research using quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Engage with industry partners and analyze secondary data.
• Supervise Master’s theses and assist with teaching.
• Lead research meetings with project partners and network at conferences.

Skills

Empirical methods

Data analysis

English (excellent)

German (preferred)

Teamwork

Leadership in meetings

Project management

Education

Master's degree (Industrial Engineering / Economics / Business Administration)

Job description

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.

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

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity and sustainability

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. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Application deadline

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

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Christian Wagner, [e-mail], (no applications).

About ETH Zürich

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.