Postdoc in Production Management: AI-driven Sustainability and Resilience Full-time

Postdoctoral Researcher in Production Management: AI-driven Sustainability and Resilience

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher in Production Management with a focus on applications of AI and related technologies in manufacturing operations. The research addresses how AI and machine learning can support more sustainable and resilient production systems. This includes investigating their role in decision-making for production planning, coordination of material flows, and management of uncertainty in complex industrial environments. Particular attention is given to the integration of AI into production contexts where human decision-makers remain central.

The position is part of the XPRES centre and will also contribute to the Vinnova-funded research project BATT:RY, which explores sustainable and circular battery value chains, where the postdoctoral researcher will engage with academic and industrial partners to develop knowledge and solutions for circular manufacturing systems, including remanufacturing, recycling, and reverse logistics. The project provides a unique opportunity to work on real-world challenges related to the green transition of industry. The position also includes conducting independent research, publishing in leading academic journals, and contributing to the development of new research proposals. Collaboration across disciplines and with industry stakeholders is an integral part of the work. The postdoctoral fellow may also be involved in and contribute to teaching at basic, advanced, and postgraduate levels.

Research questions to be addressed include:

• How AI can support circular and sustainable manufacturing systems
• How AI-driven approaches can enhance resilience in global production and supply chains
• How small and medium-sized enterprises can adopt AI-enabled production management practices

We are looking for a motivated researcher with a strong analytical mindset, interest in both theoretical and applied research, and a willingness to contribute to impactful, collaborative projects at the intersection of digitalization and sustainable production.

Requirements:

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Documented research expertise and ability to publish in international scientific journals.
• Documented strong background and experience within the areas of: production and operations management, sustainable production, industrial and systems engineering or similar.
• Teaching abilities in education and capacity building and/or to inform about your research to a broader audience.
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality.
• As a person you must be able to work both independently, as well as have collaborative abilities to work in a multidisciplinary setting.

Preferred qualifications:

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• Strong background or experience working with industrial applications related to data science, AI, machine learning
• Strong background or research experience in industrial system simulation, production planning, operational performance management and optimization

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.