PhD Position in Route Planning for Warehouse Pickers, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany

Summary

The Friedrich‑Schiller‑Universität Jena invites applications for a part‑time (75%) PhD position in Operations Management, starting 01 Feb 2027. The role is part of a DFG‑funded project on route planning for human and robotic pickers in modern distribution centres, focusing on uncertainty and integration of warehouse processes. The candidate will model problems, develop exact and heuristic algorithms, run simulations, and publish results. The position is fixed‑term for two years, salaried under TV‑L pay group 13, includes 30 vacation days plus two extra holidays, and offers support for a PhD, flexible working hours, and collaboration with the Bergische Universität Wuppertal. Application deadline is 13 Nov 2026.

Key Facts

Employer	Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Department	Wirtschaftswissenschaftliche Fakultät
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Operations Management
Research Area	Route planning for human and/or automated pickers in modern distribution centres
Degree Required	Master degree or equivalent
Salary	Salary according to TV-L pay group 13 with annual special payment
Funding	Salary (TV-L pay group 13)
Contract Duration	Fixed-term for two years
Language	German and English
Deadline	2026-11-13
Employer Contact	[email protected]
Employer Address	Fürstengraben 1, 07743, Thuringia

About the Project

The DFG project develops efficient algorithms for routing human and autonomous pickers in modern warehouses. It addresses uncertainty in order picking and integrates various warehouse processes, aiming to improve logistics efficiency through advanced mathematical optimisation and simulation studies.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in the DFG project on route optimisation for human and robotic pickers
• Mathematical modelling and complexity analysis of novel planning problems under uncertainty
• Develop and implement exact and heuristic optimisation algorithms
• Conduct computer‑based experiments and simulation studies to evaluate solutions
• Publish research findings in international journals and present at conferences

Required Skills

• Master degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline
• Strong interest in operations‑research and mathematical optimisation
• Knowledge of discrete optimisation, mathematical programming, graph algorithms or theoretical computer science (preferred)
• Good programming skills (e.g., C#)
• Very good German and English language skills
• Independent, analytical and team‑oriented work style

Who Should Apply

Applicants with a master degree (or equivalent) in economics, business informatics, industrial engineering, mathematics, computer science or related fields, strong interest in operations research and mathematical optimisation, programming skills (e.g., C#), and excellent German and English language abilities.

Benefits

• Support for an explicitly desired and funded PhD within the project
• Collaboration with Bergische Universität Wuppertal and international partners
• Assistance with scientific publications and conference participation
• Flexible working hours and autonomous research environment
• Salary according to TV‑L pay group 13 with annual special payment
• 30 days vacation plus two additional holidays on 24 Dec and 31 Dec
• Preference for equally qualified disabled applicants

About the Employer

Friedrich‑Schiller‑Universität Jena is described as a dynamic, innovation‑strong university in central Germany with a broad range of subjects, around 17 000 students and 10 000 staff. It highlights its research profile "Light – Life – Liberty" and its international, interdisciplinary collaborations with research institutes, companies and cultural institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

13 November 2026

What is the employment percentage?

75 % (30 hours per week)

Who is the contact person for the position?

Prof. Dr. Nils Boysen, email [email protected]

What is the contract duration?

Fixed‑term for two years starting 01 Feb 2027

What salary group applies?

TV‑L pay group 13 with an annual special payment