Postdoctoral Researcher in Supply Chain Sustainability and Carbon Emissions Measurement
Tilburg University is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the TRACE3 project, a multi-year research collaboration focused on tracking, reporting, and reducing Scope 3 carbon emissions across global supply chains. The project is led by Dr. Xichen Sun and Lecturer Kasper van der Vliet at Tilburg University and is funded by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management in the Netherlands under the TKI Dinalog program. TRACE3 collaborates with leading Dutch manufacturing firms and academic partners, including the MIT Sustainable Supply Chain Lab, KU Leuven, and Professor Rogelio Oliva from Mays Business School.
The postdoctoral researcher will play a leading role in developing and empirically validating data-driven approaches for measuring Scope 3 emissions and setting science-based targets. The position involves close collaboration with faculty in the Department of Information Systems and Operations Management and industry partners. Responsibilities include contributing to academic publications, developing practice-oriented tools, and assisting with project coordination, reporting, and event organization. There are no mandatory teaching obligations, but teaching opportunities in operations, supply chain management, and sustainability are available.
Applicants should have a PhD in Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Data Analytics, Sustainability, or a related field. Required skills include strong quantitative data analysis (econometrics, data analytics, or machine learning), excellent English academic writing and communication, and experience with large-scale firm-level or supply chain datasets, preferably related to environmental sustainability. Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in environmental sustainability, climate change, decarbonization, and environmental policy, and possess strong project management skills and the ability to work both independently and in interdisciplinary teams.
The position is fully funded for 24 months, with a gross monthly salary between €3,546 and €5,538, plus benefits such as vacation pay, year-end bonus, over 8 weeks of vacation, hybrid working options, home and internet allowances, sustainable commuting reimbursement, options for additional leave, pension, bicycle, or personal training, moving allowance (subject to conditions), and the 30% rule for international employees. Tilburg University offers a supportive, inclusive, and green campus environment, with ample opportunities for personal and professional development.
To apply, submit a motivation letter, CV, official transcripts for Master's and PhD, at least two academic papers, and contact information for two references online before April 1, 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews will be conducted with selected candidates. The intended start date is September 1, 2026, or earlier upon mutual agreement.
For more information, contact Dr. Xichen Sun ([email protected]) or Dr. Kasper van der Vliet ([email protected]). For full details, visit the official job posting at Tilburg University.