Doctoral Researcher or Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) (62.5%) – Food Supply Chain Management

The Chair of Food Supply Chain Management (Prof. Christian Fikar) of the Faculty of Life Sciences: Food, Nutrition and Health at the University of Bayreuth (Campus in Kulmbach, Bavaria) is currently hiring a 

We are looking for a motivated junior scientist, having completed a Master’s degree with research interest in the field of quantitative food supply chain management (e.g., operations research, operations management, analytics). This position is available on a temporary basis to cover parental leave, with the contract expected to run from 1.12.2025 to 31.03.2026. 

Tasks in research and teaching include: 

• Conducting quantitative research in the context of resilient food supply chain chains, food security, food quality management or cold chain management 
• Development of simulation and optimization-based decision support systems to assist timecritical food supply chain management operations 
• Co-supervision of Bachelor and Master theses at the Chair 
• Teaching duties (lectures, exercises, etc.) 
• Active support in the acquisition of third-party funds from national and European sources 
• The position supports further academic qualification, i.e. a doctoral degree 

Your profile: Completion of a Master’s Degree in a related field such as business administration, industrial engineering or computer science with interest in pursuing a doctoral degree. Coding experience and prior experience in simulation and/or optimization methods is an asset (e.g., Java, AnyLogic, CPLEX, Python, R). Past work experience in the food industry is further beneficial. Additionally, interest in gaining firsthand experience in teaching as well as the acquisition of research funds and the supervision of students is required. German skills are an asset. 

We offer: The Chair and the Campus in Kulmbach provides an innovative and highly interdisciplinary research environment to support your continued professional development. The working atmosphere is characterized by a culture of active participation, direct feedback and mutual respect. The role is designed as a multifaceted occupation with a high level of creative independence supported by direct supervision and guidance. 

Remuneration: The payment for this position is according to the paygrade TV-L E 13 for 4 months. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference if equally qualified. The University of Bayreuth aims to increase the proportion of women in science and particularly invites respective applicants. 

Please send your application (motivation letter, one-page research proposal about a potential PhD topic, CV, transcripts) as a single PDF to: christian.fikar@uni-bayreuth.de. 
All documents will be deleted after the position has been filled in accordance with data protection requirements. 

Application Deadline: 02 November 2025.