Companies are increasingly expected to manage social sustainability issues within their supply chains. Several countries (e.g., France, Germany, Norway) have implemented supply chain due diligence regulations aimed at ending modern slavery and unsafe working conditions. However, such issues continue to occur within global supply chains. In this context, the successful candidate will conduct doctoral research using quantitative and qualitative research methods, including engagement with industry partners and analysis of secondary data. The candidate will be part of a research project led by Dr. Christian Wagner and Prof. Dr. Stephan Wagner. 

Further responsibilities include supervising master’s theses, assisting with teaching, and participating in community outreach. Ideal candidates should be interested in and willing to write research-oriented papers for scholarly journals, academic proceedings, and practitioner journals. The dissertation is expected to consist of three high-quality papers intended for submission to top-tier journals.

Profile

• Become part of our ambitious and team-oriented Supply Chain Management Group
• Benefit from close supervision and collaboration with our international research partners
• Attend international academic conferences and present your work
• Benefit from ETH Zurich’s excellent research infrastructure, course offerings, and career development programs
• Enjoy numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare, a competitive salary, and attractive pension benefits

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

We look forward to receiving your application. Please submit the following documents as a single merged PDF using only the ETH Zurich online portal. Title the document with your last and first name, as well as the application date (e.g., 20261022_lastname_firstname_application). Arrange the documents in the following order:

• Cover letter with a specific statement of your motivation for the position
• CV
• Name and contact information of two references
• University transcripts and other reference letters
• Representative published research work (e.g., papers, thesis chapters)

Further information about the Supply Chain Management Group can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Christian Wagner, cwagner@ethz.ch, (no applications).

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

The application deadline is November 30, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is therefore encouraged.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in
science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education,
cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge
into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our
university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe,
yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to
develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.