Doctoral Researcher Position in Sustainable Supply Chain Management at ETH Zürich – Switzerland

Summary

ETH Zürich is inviting applications for a full-time, fixed-term Doctoral Researcher position in Sustainable Supply Chain Management within the Department of Management, Technology, and Economics. The candidate will join a research project led by Dr. Christian Wagner and Prof. Dr. Stephan Wagner, conducting empirical research using quantitative and qualitative methods to address social sustainability and supply chain due diligence regulations. Responsibilities include writing research papers, assisting with teaching, supervising master's theses, and participating in community outreach. Applicants must hold an excellent master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Economics, Business Administration, or a related discipline, alongside a strong background in empirical methods and data analysis. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until November 30, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Management, Technology, and Economics – Supply Chain Management Group
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Supply Chain Management / Economics / Business Administration
Research Area	Sustainable Supply Chain Management
Degree Required	Master's degree
Experience	Strong background in empirical methods and data analysis using statistical or econometric techniques
Salary	Competitive salary
Funding	Competitive salary
Contract Duration	Fixed-term
Language	English (required), German (ideal)
Deadline	2026-11-30
Required Documents	Cover letter with a motivation statement, CV, Name and contact information of two references, University transcripts, Reference letters, Representative published research work
Employer Address	ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
Employer Contact	Dr. Christian Wagner, [email protected]

About the Project

The research project focuses on social sustainability issues within global supply chains and supply chain due diligence regulations aiming to eliminate modern slavery and unsafe working conditions. The doctoral researcher will utilize quantitative and qualitative methods, engage with industry partners, and analyze secondary data to compile a three-paper dissertation.

Key Responsibilities

• Conducting doctoral research using quantitative and qualitative research methods, including industry partner engagement and secondary data analysis
• Supervising master's theses
• Assisting with teaching
• Participating in community outreach
• Writing research-oriented papers for scholarly journals, academic proceedings, and practitioner journals
• Taking a leading role in research meetings with project partners and networking at conferences

Required Skills

• An excellent master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field
• Excellent written and oral skills in English and, ideally, German
• High level of motivation for academic research
• Strong background in empirical methods and data analysis using statistical or econometric techniques
• Strong teamwork and social skills
• Independence, proactivity, and exemplary organizational and project management abilities

Who Should Apply

Applicants with an excellent master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field, strong skills in empirical research and statistical or econometric methods, and fluent English skills. Candidates should be interested in publishing in scholarly and practitioner journals.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Attractive pension benefits
• Access to ETH Zurich's research infrastructure, course offerings, and career development programs
• Attendance at international academic conferences
• Public transport season tickets and car sharing benefits
• Wide range of sports offered by ASVZ
• Childcare services

About the Employer

ETH Zurich is a world-leading university specializing in science and technology, known for cutting-edge fundamental research, excellent education, and direct knowledge transfer into society, hosting over 30,000 people from over 120 countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is 30 November 2026, though applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

What degree is required for this position?

An excellent master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field is required.

How should applications be submitted?

Applications must be submitted as a single merged PDF exclusively through the ETH Zürich online application portal.

Are candidates with purely analytical backgrounds eligible?

No, candidates with primarily analytical backgrounds and/or interests will not be considered.