KU Leuven is an autonomous university founded in 1425 and rooted in the Catholic tradition.
The Research Centre for Operations Management, Faculty of Economics and Business, KU Leuven (Belgium) has a vacancy for a PhD student at the intersection of Operations Research and Supply Chain Management. We are looking for a full‑time PhD student to conduct research on supply chain visibility and network resilience under the supervision of Prof. Jannik Matuschke, Prof. Erik Demeulemeester, and Prof. Maximiliano Udenio.
Project
Global supply chains are large, complex networks that are typically opaque even to the firms that operate within them. A firm generally has visibility only to its direct (tier‑1) suppliers and, at best, a small fraction of its tier‑2 suppliers. However, empirical supply networks routinely span 10 to 15 tiers. This lack of visibility creates significant vulnerability: firms cannot anticipate, prepare for, or respond to disruptions that originate deep in their upstream network.
This PhD project aims to develop a formal framework for supply chain visibility and resilience using tools from Operations Research and Operations Management, such as network theory, combinatorial optimization, and econometrics. The project pursues three interrelated aims: first, to characterize how network structure affects the cost and robustness of supply chain visibility; second, to study what actions a focal firm can take within its local sphere of influence to improve its resilience, including the design of its sourcing strategy; and third, to validate the theoretical framework empirically using real‑world supply chain network data.
Results of the research will be communicated through top‑level publications in operations research and operations management journals, and through presentations at international conferences. Although the focus is on research, the candidate can be asked to give guidance to Master’s students, to be involved in teaching, and to supervise and correct exams.
Profile
You recently obtained your master’s degree (or you are about to graduate in 2026) in Business Engineering, Mathematics, Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Economics, or a similar degree with an equivalent academic level.
You have a strong interest in combinatorial optimization, network analysis, and/or supply chain management.
Excellent results in prior studies are an asset (cum laude — distinction, or higher).
Experience with optimization software (such as Gurobi, CPLEX, or similar) and/or programming languages (such as Python, MATLAB, or R) is an asset.
You can conduct independent research (demonstrated, e.g., by an excellent Master’s thesis) as well as collaborate well in teams.
You have excellent command of spoken and written English and are equipped with good communication skills.
You are willing to participate in (international) seminars and conferences.
You are willing to enroll in the PhD program of the Faculty of Economics and Business at KU Leuven, which entails 21 ECTS of relevant coursework.
You will also give guidance to students, be involved in teaching activities and in the supervision of exams.
Offer
A full‑time PhD position for 1 year, starting 2026 September 15, renewable up to a maximum of four years upon yearly successful evaluations. The work should lead to a PhD degree.
An interesting and diverse job within a dynamic and pleasant working environment, in a group conducting research at the highest international standards.
A social, tolerant, and constructive workplace that offers ample opportunities for personal development.
A correct and beneficial salary.
Numerous opportunities for personal growth, illustrated by e.g., conference participation, “doctoral schools” courses on transferable skills, participation in educational initiatives, and publication opportunities.
Application
A motivation letter with a statement of skills and research interests.
A curriculum vitae with at least two references.
A writing sample from the master thesis or relevant (individual) coursework.
University diploma copies and complete transcripts.
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Maxi Udenio Castro, mail: maxi.udenio@kuleuven.be or Prof. dr. Jannik Matuschke, mail: jannik.matuschke@kuleuven.be.
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