Research Associate in Production Management (with intention to pursue a PhD) (m/f/d)

At the Institute for Production and Supply Chain Management (PSCM-HSG) at the University of St.Gallen (HSG), we combine excellent research with close collaboration with leading industrial companies. In this position, you will work on current issues of industrial value creation – scientifically sound and practice-oriented – with the perspective of a PhD.

About us
The Chair of Production Management led by Prof. Dr. Thomas Friedli is divided into three research groups:

• Operational Excellence: Continuous improvement, efficiency, and performance in production.
• Global Production: Design and optimization of international production networks.
• Smart Manufacturing & Services: Strategy, sales, and operations for industrial services.

Together we develop solutions for the production of tomorrow – for research, teaching, and transfer into practice.

Further information

• More about the Institute for Production and Supply Chain Management can be found here
• Information about the doctoral program in business administration can be found here .
• Please check before applying whether you meet the admission requirements for the doctoral program.

Please note: For this position, we only consider applicants with a valid work permit for Switzerland or nationals from EU/EFTA countries. Applicants from third countries can only be considered if they have the appropriate work permit.

• Design, implementation, and management of application-oriented research and transfer projects with leading industrial companies in the thematic areas of our research groups.
• Active participation in industry and funded research projects including the transfer of scientific findings into corporate practice and derivation of evidence-based recommendations for action.
• Development of solution approaches and decision bases together with practice partners (e.g., target images, roadmaps, business cases, business development approaches).
• Planning, execution, and evaluation of qualitative and quantitative analyses (e.g., benchmarking studies, company studies, interview- and survey-based analyses).
• Preparation, moderation, and follow-up of workshops, management meetings, and presentations with company representatives and other stakeholders.
• Support in teaching (preparation and assistance in conducting courses), supervision of theses.

• Practice-oriented research: Work at the interface of science and industry with direct impact on the future of production.
• Dynamic environment: A young, committed team with plenty of creative freedom, flat hierarchies, and access to a strong network of research, industry, and consulting.
• Individual support: Intensive supervision in the doctoral program and continuous personal development through targeted training, project responsibility, and leadership experience.
• Excellent career prospects: Our alumni mostly start after their doctorate in challenging development and specialist positions in industry, consulting, or international organizations – often with rapid assumption of leadership responsibilities.

• Very good university degree (Master) in (industrial) engineering, business administration, or a related field (at least grade 5.0 or 2.0 DE/AT).
• Enthusiasm for production management, industrial value creation, and operational excellence.
• Initial experience in industry, consulting, or project management in a relevant field.
• Very good German and English skills, both written and spoken.
• Excellent MS Office skills; knowledge of R, Python, or statistical tools is an advantage.

• High initiative, strong analytical skills, and team orientation.
• Confident, professional, and reliable demeanor in dealing with research partners and stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel within the scope of project and research activities.
• Structured, reliable working style and ability to manage multiple topics in parallel (project and time management).
• Interest in application-oriented research and knowledge transfer into industry.

"A place that creates knowledge" - As one of the leading business universities in Europe, the University of St.Gallen (HSG) is committed to educating over 10,000 students and offers around 3,500 employees an attractive and innovative environment in research, teaching, continuing education, and administration as one of the largest employers in the region."