Postdoc in Production Management: AI-driven Sustainability and Resilience

Job description

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher in Production Management with a focus on applications of AI and related enabling 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.

Qualifications

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.

Join us at KTH

KTH shapes the future through education, research and innovation. As a leading international technical university, we play an active role in advancing the transition towards a sustainable society. At KTH, you have the opportunity to grow and develop in a creative and dynamic environment, with good working conditions and attractive benefits. Equality, diversity and equal opportunities are essential to quality and form an integral part of KTH’s core values as a university and public authority.

Learn more about our benefits and what it's like to work and grow at KTH.

Trade union representatives

Contact information to trade union representatives.

To apply for the position

Log into KTH's recruitment system to apply for this position. You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete according to the instructions in the ad.

The application must include:

• CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge as well as publication list.
• Copy of diplomas and grades from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents have not been issued in any of these languages.
• Brief account of why you want to conduct research, your academic interests and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. Maximum two pages long.

Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the employment

The position offered is for, at the most, two years.

A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

Other information

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process.

It may be the case that a position at KTH is classified as a security-sensitive role in accordance with the Protective Security Act (2018:585). If this applies to the specific position, a security clearance will be conducted for the applicant in accordance with the same law with the applicant's consent. In such cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved following the security clearance.

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

1. Johan Kristoffersson, [email protected]
2. Seyoum Eshetu Birkie, [email protected]