PhD Position in Factory Planning and Production System Organization, Leibniz University Hannover, Germany

Summary

The Leibniz University Hannover’s Institute for Plant Engineering and Logistics offers a three‑year, fixed‑term PhD position in the Factory Planning group, starting 01‑04‑2027. The role combines research, teaching, and industry consulting, with full salary (TV‑L Entgeltgruppe 13) and all benefits of a doctoral student. Candidates must hold a completed university degree, preferably in Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Engineering, demonstrate excellent academic performance, and possess fluent German and very good English. The position provides a modern work environment, flexible home‑office options, extensive health and family support programs, and opportunities for personal and professional development within an internationally oriented research team.

Key Facts

Employer	Leibniz University Hannover
Department	Institute for Plant Engineering and Logistics (IFA)
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Mechanical Engineering / Industrial Engineering
Research Area	Factory planning and production system organization
Degree Required	Completed university degree
Salary	Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L, 100%
Funding	Full salary according to TV-L Entgeltgruppe 13
Contract Duration	3 years fixed-term, possible extension
Language	German (fluent) and English (very good)
Deadline	2027-01-03
Employer Address	Welfengarten 1, 30167, Lower Saxony

About the Project

The Factory Planning group investigates the synergistic integration of planning disciplines, evaluates factories, and studies the adaptability of production systems. Working closely with national and international industry partners, the team develops innovative methods for the planning, control, and organization of future production systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research in factory planning and production system adaptability
• Participate in teaching activities and university courses
• Provide consulting services to industry partners
• Take responsibility for project work from the start
• Collaborate in interdisciplinary and international research projects

Required Skills

• Above‑average academic performance
• Independent and professional work style with high initiative
• Strong commitment, flexibility, communication and teamwork
• Very good IT skills (MS Office, CAD programs desirable)
• Excellent written expression, fluent German and very good English
• Interest in scientific work, PhD, industry consulting and university teaching
• Desirable knowledge in factory planning (theoretical or practical)

Who Should Apply

Applicants with a completed university degree (ideally in Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Engineering), above‑average academic results, strong independent work habits, high initiative, excellent communication and teamwork skills, very good IT knowledge (MS Office, CAD desirable), fluent German, very good English, and interest in research, industry consulting, and teaching are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

• Modern work environment with excellent equipment
• Flat hierarchies and autonomous organization
• Extensive network building in science and industry
• Opportunities for personal and professional development
• Full salary during PhD with student enrollment benefits
• Mobile work and home‑office options
• Family support: emergency child care, holiday care, parent‑child offices
• Comprehensive health program: over 100 sports, fitness studio, sauna, climbing hall, stress‑management and nutrition courses

About the Employer

Leibniz University Hannover is one of the largest employers in the region, with over 5,000 staff. Its Institute for Plant Engineering and Logistics (IFA) is a leading research institute focusing on organizational processes and logistics in industrial production, collaborating closely with national and international industry partners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

January 3, 2027.

Is the position fully funded?

Yes, it offers a full salary according to TV‑L Entgeltgruppe 13.

Which languages are required?

Fluent German and very good English.