The Chair of Production Management in the Area Operations at the Business School of the University of Mannheim (Prof. Raik Stolletz) invites applications for a Ph.D. position. The starting date is flexible in 2025 (or early 2026). Our research focuses on the development of methods in Business Analytics and Operations Research with projects in the analysis and optimization of manufacturing and service operations.
We are looking for Ph.D. students who are interested in one of the following research projects:
• Capacity optimization under volatile demand in distribution centers;
• Managing closed-loop manufacturing networks & service systems;
• Optimization of resiliency in production networks.
Some projects are funded by industry partners or the German Science Foundation (DFG) with national and international collaborations. The ideal candidate has completed or is close to completion of their Master’s studies in Business Analytics, Operations Management, Operations Research, Management Science, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, Mathematics, or other related fields, with a strong academic record. Candidates with advanced skills in business analytics, particularly in performance analysis and optimization of stochastic systems or optimization algorithms and heuristics, are highly encouraged to apply. Proficiency in English is essential, while knowledge of German is not required. In addition to working on the research project, the Ph.D. candidate will provide support to the team in teaching and administrative tasks, contributing to a collaborative and interdisciplinary work environment.
There is the possibility to start directly with a funded project in our research group or/and with a fully funded scholar¬ship within our structured Ph.D. program in Operations Management at the Center for Doctoral Studies in Business (CDSB). Our program trains outstanding talents to apply analytical, data-driven, or empirical analysis to advance knowledge in predictive and prescriptive business analytics.
The University of Mannheim Business School is one of Germany’s premier business schools, providing an outstanding international research environment. The chair actively supports collaborations within the international research community. The University of Mannheim is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women are therefore particularly encouraged to apply. Applicants with disabilities are treated with preference given comparable qualifications.

Please send your application with the usual documents (letter of motivation, CV, transcript of records, etc.) in written form or by e-mail until September 10th, 2025, to

University of Mannheim
Chair of Production Management
Prof. Dr. Raik Stolletz
68131 Mannheim
E-Mail: [email protected]
Data protection: Please note that data transmitted via unencrypted email communication may be subject to unauthorized access by third parties and confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. Information regarding the collection and processing of personal data according to article 13 of the GDPR is provided on the website of the University of Mannheim under “Employment Opportunities”. Submitted documents will only be returned if the application includes an envelope with sufficient postage. Otherwise, the documents will be destroyed in accordance with the data protection law after the application process is completed. Electronic applications will be deleted accordingly.