Research Assistant in Sustainable Supply Chain Management with Option for PhD 80 – 100 %

Research Assistant in Sustainable Supply Chain Management with Option for PhD 80 – 100 %

Would you like to make the global supply chains of tomorrow more sustainable, resilient, and circular, thereby contributing to the net zero goals? Then you are exactly right with us!

Department: School of Engineering

Start date: 1.2.2026 or by arrangement

The main focus of your tasks lies in topics of modeling and analysis of supply chains to increase sustainability, circularity, and resilience. Additionally, the current topics offer the opportunity to advance sustainable supply chain design based on artificial intelligence.

Your tasks include:

• Participation in R&D projects in the above-mentioned topic area
• Conceptual development and operational implementation of models, methods, and solutions in the field of sustainable, circular, and resilient supply chain management
• Contribution to the methodological and content-related further development of the subject area
• Independent research work, possibly with internationally active companies
• Support in the preparation of funding applications

We are looking for a personality with a completed master's degree in engineering sciences, natural sciences, or business administration. If you wish to pursue a PhD, the eligibility for a doctorate at the home university must be present. You bring a high level of motivation, an independent, result-oriented working style, initiative, commitment, and enjoyment of scientific work. Ideally, you are familiar with current issues in the field of supply chain management or sustainable supply chain management. Very good German and English skills, both spoken and written, are required.

The position is initially limited to one year but can be extended up to a maximum of three years, or up to six years in the case of a PhD, if both parties are interested. This is a qualification position, which is especially suitable for recent graduates.

If the opportunity to actively shape a dynamic environment flexibly, contribute ideas, and personally develop in an internationally well-networked research team appeals to you, we look forward to your application.

The ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, with over 14,000 students and over 11,000 continuing education participants as well as around 3,700 employees, is one of the largest multi-disciplinary universities of applied sciences in Switzerland.

The School of Engineering, as one of the leading technical education and research institutions in Switzerland, focuses on future-relevant topics. Fourteen institutes and centers guarantee high-quality education, research, and development with a focus on energy, mobility, information, and health.

The interdisciplinary Institute for Sustainable Development (INE) considers technological, economic, and societal developments from a sustainability perspective.

Our team of the focus area "Sustainable Supply Chain Management and Mobility" researches sustainability, circular economy, and resilience in global supply chains, sustainable (urban) logistics, and sustainable personal mobility. Furthermore, we teach at bachelor and master levels as well as in part-time continuing education.

ZHAW is committed to gender-mixed and diverse teams to promote equality, diversity, and innovation.

We offer university-appropriate working and employment conditions and actively promote the personnel development of our employees and managers. A detailed description of the benefits can be found on the "Working at ZHAW" website. Here are the main points:

Maike Scherrer

Head of Sustainable Supply Chain Management and Mobility

Jocelyn Schaad

Recruiting Manager

Our offices will be closed from December 24, 2025, to January 4, 2026.