Research Associate (PhD Candidate) in Operations Management (m/f/d)

28.04.2026, Wissenschaftliches Personal

The Professorship of Operations Management (Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. G. P. Kiesmüller) at TUM Campus Heilbronn is looking for a research assistant (PhD candidate) (m/f/d). This position is available immediately and is fixed for a term of 3 years, with the possibility of extension. As part of this role, candidates will have the opportunity, and are encouraged, to pursue a doctoral degree. In addition to research, the associate will also take on teaching responsibilities.

About us
The research orientation of the professorship is characterized by the application of operations research methods or machine learning for the analysis and solution of problems in the field of operations management. The research assistant will in particular support research in the field of inventory management, after sales service, production and logistics. We are part of the Center for Digital Transformation, a hub connecting leading marketing, finance, and operations scholars with over 20 doctoral like-minded scholars and five professors. We are located at the TUM School of Management at the TUM Campus in Heilbronn, a vital part of the Technical University of Munich, ranked among the top universities in Europe. Being one of the best faculties in Economics in Germany, the TUM School of Management is building a unique bridge between Management and Technology within an international teaching and learning environment.

Your tasks…
• Conduct research under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. G. P. Kiesmüller, with a focus on one or more of the following areas: Reinforcement Learning for logistic and productions, inventory management and demand forecasting, after sales services and spare part management.
• Contribute to the teaching activities at the Center for Digital Transformation at TUM Campus Heilbronn
• Present research findings at international conferences
• Actively participate in the Doctoral Program of the TUM School of Management

Your profile...
• Completed (or close to completing) a Master’s degree or equivalent in business mathematics, mathematics, economics, business informatics, industrial engineering, computer science
• Strong enthusiasm for conducting high-quality, innovative research in Operations Management
• Very good knowledge in the field of (stochastic) operations research
• Strong statistical training and quantitative research methods, knowledge in probability theory • Knowledge in the field of machine learning and reinforcement learning or willing to learn more about it
• Experience with the programming language Python
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a research team
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Superior academic track record
• Excellent English language skills, both written and spoken

We offer...
• A stimulating, dynamic and multi-disciplinary research environment with access to excellent resources
• A diverse and demanding job within a modern and prestigious university environment
• The opportunity to work at the intersection of Management and Technology
• A workplace at TUM Campus Heilbronn, located in one of Europe’s most innovative high-tech regions, characterized by strong family-owned companies. The vibrant city combines imperial history with modern life, offering an attractive place to live and work.
• Participation in international conferences, academic workshops, and PhD-level courses
• A supportive and vibrant international scientific network
• A full-time position (part-time arrangements possible)

Application Process
Please apply by sending one single PDF containing (a) a short cover letter, (b) a CV indicating your final undergraduate and graduate degree grades, and (c) academic transcripts to support those grades, providing insights into your coursework. Please send your application by May 28, 2026 to bewerbungen.cdt@mgt.tum.de, with the subject line: "Operations Management”. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Corina Häußermann (bewerbungen.cdt@mgt.tum.de).

TUM is committed to increasing the representation of women in its workforce and strongly encourages applications from qualified female candidates. The position can also be filled on a part-time basis. Remuneration is based on the collective wage agreement of the federal states (TV-L E13), depending on qualifications.

Kontakt: bewerbungen.cdt@mgt.tum.de