PhD Candidate in Unscheduled Supply Chain Management (all genders)

Who we are

The mission has started. We proudly announce that in our Battery Valley we are starting our own battery cell production and the ramp up of our worldwide headquarters for global cell manufacturing. In this, the tasks and requirements of operations are varied. Operations takes care of all production related activities within the battery cell production. Our responsibilities vary from planning, constructing and rolling out the forthcoming battery cell factories. Furthermore, planning and implementing operating functions such as logistics, quality, production and plant management is also key elements within the area of operations.

Your role and key responsibilities

Development of a method for data-based decision-making and automated task execution
Documentation of activities within an end-to-end (E2E) supply chain
Identification of disruptive factors within various supply chains
Consideration of company-specific target parameters
Creation of simulations to achieve optimal goal fulfillment
Development of measures for problem-solving and a method to evaluate their effectiveness
The final doctoral thesis topic is determined together with the professor. The prerequisite for cooperation is a confirmation of supervision and the confirmed topic by the professor of a university or research institution authorized to award doctorates

What you bring to the team

Good to very good academic degree qualifying for a PhD in Industrial Engineering, Logistics Management, or a comparable field
Proven focus on Supply Chain Management during studies
Experience in the automotive and battery industries
Knowledge and skills in working with IT solutions for material flow
Experience in collaboration with various project partners
Fluent in English and German

What makes you stand out

Ability to work independently
Motivation and enthusiasm for working in an international and cross-functional team
Willingness to take responsibility and work independently on projects

What to look forward to

Three-year doctoral program in which the doctoral students work on internal tasks of PowerCo in addition to their doctorate
35-hour week, flexible working hours
30 days paid vacation + 24.12. & 31.12. off
Interdisciplinary qualification opportunities
Regular feedback meetings and close technical supervision in the department
Opportunity for scientific exchange with other doctoral students of the Volkswagen Group

Company: PowerCo SE

Location:

Salzgitter, DE

Job Function: Operations

Level of Experience: Doctorate

Job ID: 3865

Date: Nov 21, 2025

Are you a battery believer?

PowerCo was founded in 2022 to become a global battery champion. Headquartered in Germany, we are currently ramping up gigafactories in Salzgitter, Valencia and St. Thomas in Canada with a total volume of up to 200 GWh. We are integrating the entire value chain and building a supply chain as local as possible. With that we are driving the development of a strong, sustainable battery industry in Europe and North America.

Questions?

For all the questions you may have, take a look into our FAQ.
Your question is not answered in the FAQ? Feel free to reach out to our colleagues.

📧 careers@powerco.de

Benefits

Gain more insights in our benefits for Professionals or Future Talents

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We believe that the best results are created in a diverse and inclusive environment.
Therefore, all qualified applications will be considered for employment regardless of age, race, religion, gender (identity), sexual orientation, national origin or disability.

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