Research Associate AI-based Operations Management 80 - 100 %

About the job

Research Associate AI-based Operations Management 80 - 100 %

Do you want to not only connect research, teaching, and industry but actively shape the future of data-driven value creation? Develop AI and quantum solutions with us that have real impact for industry and society.

Department: School of Engineering

Start date: April 2026 or by arrangement (Limited to 2 years)

You represent your field (Operations Research and Operations Management) in teaching, research and development, and continuing education both internally and externally. Your portfolio of activities includes:

• Teaching and supervising students at all levels (BSc, MSc), especially in the BSc program Industrial Engineering and in continuing education
• Acquisition and implementation of R&D projects in collaboration with industry partners, national (e.g., Innosuisse, SNSF) and international funding institutions (e.g., EU) as well as public bodies
• Continuation and further development of international cooperation in teaching and R&D
• PhD in mathematics, natural sciences, engineering, computer science, or a comparable field as well as business administration skills
• Several years of industry experience, an active network in industry and research, as well as experience in teaching and didactics
• Proven expertise and track record in quantitative methods of operations research and operations management, especially in mathematical modeling, simulation of operational processes, and data-driven decision-making and modeling approaches
• Own scientific contributions to the further development of the field as well as successful implementation of research results in business practice, ideally in highly digitized value chains (e.g., Industry 4.0, digitized service processes)
• Interest in and experience with future topics such as advanced industrial analytics and AI-based optimization (algorithmic intelligence), AI-supported production planning, as well as quantum optimization, quantum computing, and their connection with AI.
• Ability and motivation to acquire innovative applied research projects with companies from industry and services, to inspire internal and external partners, and to actively shape them
• Very good networking in the Swiss industry; ideally experience with successful research funding applications and familiarity with EU funding programs
• Very good German and English skills

The ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, with over 14,000 students and over 11,000 continuing education participants as well as around 3,700 employees, is one of the largest multi-disciplinary universities of applied sciences in Switzerland.

The School of Engineering (SoE), as one of the leading educational and research institutions in Switzerland, focuses on future-relevant topics. 14 institutes and centers guarantee high-quality education, research, and development with a focus on energy, mobility, information, and health.

At the Institute of Data Science (IDS), we turn data into tangible added value. With a strong scientific foundation and a clear focus on practical solutions, we develop innovative approaches in data science and business engineering.

ZHAW is committed to gender-mixed and diverse teams to promote equality, diversity, and innovation. To increase the proportion of women in leadership positions, applications from women are particularly welcome.

We offer university-appropriate working and employment conditions and actively promote the personnel development of our employees and managers. A detailed description of the benefits can be found on the "Working at ZHAW" website. Here are the key points:

Dr. Jürg Meierhofer

Head of Smart Services and Operations

Jasmin Strobel

Recruiting Manager