PhD Student Position in Operations Management – KU Leuven
The Research Centre for Operations Management at the Faculty of Economics and Business, KU Leuven, Belgium, is offering a full-time PhD student position focused on supply chain visibility and network resilience. The project is supervised by Prof. dr. Jannik Matuschke, Prof. dr. Erik Demeulemeester, and Prof. dr. Maximiliano Udenio. The research aims to develop a formal framework for supply chain visibility and resilience using advanced tools from Operations Research and Operations Management, including network theory, combinatorial optimization, and econometrics.
Global supply chains are complex and often lack transparency, making them vulnerable to disruptions originating deep within their networks. This PhD project will address these challenges by characterizing how network structure impacts the cost and robustness of supply chain visibility, exploring actions firms can take to improve resilience, and empirically validating the theoretical framework with real-world data. The research outcomes will be disseminated through top-tier publications and presentations at international conferences.
As a PhD student, you may also guide Master’s students, participate in teaching activities, and supervise exams. The position offers a dynamic and inclusive working environment, with opportunities for personal development, conference participation, doctoral school courses, and publication. The initial contract is for one year, starting September 15, 2026, and is renewable up to four years based on annual evaluations. The role is salaried, with a correct and beneficial compensation package.
Applicants should have a master’s degree in Business Engineering, Mathematics, Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, (Business) Economics, or a similar field. Strong interest in combinatorial optimization, network analysis, and supply chain management is essential. Excellent academic results, experience with optimization software (such as Gurobi or CPLEX), and programming skills (Python, MATLAB, R) are assets. Candidates must demonstrate independent research ability, teamwork, and excellent English communication skills. Enrollment in the PhD program (21 ECTS coursework) is required, along with participation in seminars and conferences.
KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. Applications should be submitted via the KU Leuven online platform, including a motivation letter, CV with references, a writing sample, and academic transcripts. For further information, contact Prof. dr. Maxi Udenio Castro or Prof. dr. Jannik Matuschke by email. The application deadline is April 30, 2026.
