Research Assistant (Doctoral Position) in the Production Management Department – “Production Planning and Control” at Leibniz University Hannover – Hannover, Germany

Summary

Leibniz University Hannover’s Institute for Factory Automation and Logistics seeks a Research Assistant (PhD) in the Production Management Department, focusing on Production Planning and Control. The three‑year position, funded at pay grade 13 TV‑L (100%), offers full salary and doctoral enrollment benefits. Candidates must hold a university degree, preferably in mechanical or industrial engineering, and demonstrate strong academic performance, initiative, teamwork, and excellent German and English skills. Responsibilities include research, teaching, industry consulting, and developing innovative planning and control methods for industrial and circular supply chains. The role provides a modern work environment, mobile working options, extensive health and family support services, and opportunities for professional development within an international, interdisciplinary setting.

Key Facts

About the Project

The project investigates innovative methods for production planning and control within industrial and circular supply chains. It aims to develop and test new approaches for planning, controlling, and monitoring processes, collaborating closely with national and international companies to address real‑world production challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on production planning and control methods
• Teach university courses and supervise students
• Provide consulting services to industrial partners
• Develop innovative planning, controlling, and monitoring techniques
• Participate in interdisciplinary projects within the Production Management group

Required Skills

• Above‑average academic performance
• Independent and professional work ethic
• High degree of initiative
• Strong commitment and flexibility
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Very good computer skills
• Fluent German
• Very good English
• Interest in scientific work and doctoral studies
• Understanding of operational processes in production, logistics, and procurement
• Prior theoretical or practical knowledge in production management

Who Should Apply

Applicants with a completed university degree—ideally in mechanical or industrial engineering—who have above‑average academic performance, strong initiative, teamwork and communication skills, very good computer proficiency, and fluency in German and English. Candidates should be interested in scientific research, doctoral studies, advising industrial partners, and have prior knowledge of production management concepts.

Benefits

• Mobile working and home‑office arrangements
• Emergency childcare and holiday care services
• Parent‑child offices and individual family‑care advice
• Comprehensive sports program with fitness studio, sauna, and climbing wall
• Health management courses (stress management, healthy eating, relaxation)
• Attractive modern working environment with excellent facilities
• Flat hierarchies in a self‑governing organization
• Extensive network in science and industry
• Opportunities for professional and personal development
• Doctoral studies with full salary and enrollment benefits

About the Employer

Leibniz University Hannover is one of the largest employers in the region, with over 5,000 staff. Its Institute for Factory Automation and Logistics (IFA) is described as a leading institute for research into organizational processes and logistical relationships in industrial production, collaborating with national and international companies to develop pioneering methods for future production systems.