TUM Research Associate PhD Position in Operations Management 2026 | Apply Now

nical University of Munich (TUM), one of Europe’s top-ranked universities, is offering a fully funded Research Associate position for a PhD candidate in Operations Management at its Campus Heilbronn. This is a paid academic role under the German public sector pay scale (TV-L E13), which means you will earn a competitive salary while completing your doctoral degree. The position sits within the Center for Digital Transformation, a dynamic research hub where management meets cutting-edge technology.

This opportunity is for candidates who have completed or are close to completing a master’s degree in a quantitative field such as mathematics, business informatics, computer science, industrial engineering or economics. If you have a strong foundation in operations research, statistical methods or machine learning and want to pursue world-class doctoral research in a collaborative international environment, this role is worth your full attention. The position is open to candidates of all genders and actively encourages applications from underrepresented groups.

This post covers everything you need to know before you apply, including eligibility requirements, what the role offers, the documents you need to prepare, a step-by-step application guide, and tips to make your application stand out before the 28 May 2026 deadline.

Scholarship Overview

Eligibility

1. Citizenship: The position is open to applicants of all nationalities. TUM does not restrict this role by country of origin.
2. Academic qualifications: You must have completed, or be close to completing, a master’s degree or equivalent qualification in one of the following fields: business mathematics, mathematics, economics, business informatics, industrial engineering or computer science. A strong academic record is expected.
3. Work experience: Not formally required, but research experience and familiarity with quantitative methods will strengthen your application. Experience with Python programming is expected.
4. Language requirements: Excellent English language skills, both written and spoken, are required. No German language requirement is stated, though living and working in Germany will make some German language ability practically useful.
5. Technical requirements: You need strong knowledge in stochastic operations research, statistical and quantitative research methods, and probability theory. Knowledge of machine learning and reinforcement learning is valued, and candidates who are willing to learn in this area are also encouraged to apply.
6. Other requirements: You must be able to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team. Good interpersonal and organisational skills are part of the profile. The position also involves teaching responsibilities alongside research, so comfort in an academic teaching environment is beneficial.

Eligible Countries

This position is open to qualified candidates from all countries worldwide. TUM is an internationally oriented institution and does not restrict applications by nationality.

All regions are eligible, including:

Africa: All countries Asia: All countries Americas: All countries (North, Central and South America) Europe: All countries (EU and non-EU) Middle East: All countries Oceania: All countries

There are no country exclusions stated in the official listing.

Eligible Fields of Study

This position is not open to all fields of study. It is specifically focused on quantitative and technical disciplines relevant to Operations Management research.

Eligible academic backgrounds include:

• Business mathematics
• Mathematics
• Economics (with strong quantitative focus)
• Business informatics
• Industrial engineering
• Computer science

The research work will concentrate on the following sub-areas within operations management:

• Reinforcement learning for logistics and production
• Inventory management and demand forecasting
• After sales services and spare part management

Candidates from other fields who have strong quantitative research skills and relevant knowledge may still consider applying, but the degree background listed above is what the position specifically targets.

Benefits

This is a paid employment position at 100% full-time (part-time arrangements are also possible). Here is what you receive:

1. Salary: Remuneration is based on the German collective wage agreement for federal states (TV-L E13), which is the standard pay grade for research associates in German universities. The exact amount depends on qualifications and experience, but TV-L E13 at 100% typically ranges from approximately EUR 4,000 to EUR 5,500 gross per month depending on experience level.
2. Contract length: Three years, fixed term, with the possibility of extension.
3. PhD opportunity: Candidates are encouraged and supported to pursue a doctoral degree as part of this role. The doctoral programme is run through the TUM School of Management.
4. Research environment: Access to a stimulating, multidisciplinary research environment at the Center for Digital Transformation, with over 20 doctoral scholars and five professors across marketing, finance and operations.
5. Conference participation: Funding and opportunity to present research findings at international conferences and attend academic workshops and PhD-level courses.
6. International network: A supportive global scientific network through TUM’s extensive academic partnerships.
7. Location benefit: Campus Heilbronn is situated in one of Europe’s most innovative high-tech regions, offering a high quality of life in a city that combines historical character with modern infrastructure.
8. Tuition fees: As a paid employee rather than a fee-paying student, tuition fees in the traditional sense do not apply. 
9. Health insurance: As a TV-L employee in Germany, statutory health insurance contributions are deducted from your salary and you are enrolled in the German public health insurance system.

Required Documents

All documents must be compiled into a single PDF file before submission.

1. Cover letter: A short letter explaining your motivation for applying and your fit for the role.
2. CV: A detailed curriculum vitae that clearly states your final undergraduate and graduate degree grades.
3. Academic transcripts: Official or certified transcripts that support the grades listed in your CV and provide detail on your coursework.

Note: TUM specifically states that all documents must be compiled into one single PDF. Do not send multiple attachments.

How to Apply

Step 1: Read the full official job posting carefully. Confirm that your academic background, technical skills and research interests align with the Operations Management focus of the role.

Step 2: Prepare your CV. Make sure it clearly shows your undergraduate and graduate degree grades, your relevant coursework, and any research or programming experience you have.

Step 3: Collect your academic transcripts. These must show the grades for your undergraduate and graduate studies. If your transcripts are not in English or German, consider whether a translation is necessary. 

Step 4: Write your cover letter. Keep it focused and specific. Explain why you are interested in Operations Management research, which sub-area of the research group’s work interests you most (such as reinforcement learning for logistics, inventory management or after sales services), and what makes you a strong candidate.

Step 5: Compile all documents into a single PDF in the following order: cover letter, CV, academic transcripts. Name the file clearly with your name and the role title.

Step 6: Send your application by email to bewerbungen.cdt@mgt.tum.de with the subject line: “Operations Management”. This exact subject line is required by the application instructions.

Step 7: Submit before 28 May 2026. Late applications will not be considered.

Step 8: If you have questions about the position or the application process, contact Ms. Corina Hausermann at the same email address before submitting.

Step 9: After submission, monitor your email for any follow-up communication from the research group. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps, which may include an interview.

Key Dates and Timeline

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is 28 May 2026. 

Applications submitted after this time will NOT be accepted. The position is described as available immediately, so TUM is motivated to fill it promptly. Do not wait until the final days to prepare your documents.

Selection Criteria

The TUM Operations Management research group will evaluate candidates based on the following:

1. Academic excellence: A strong academic track record is explicitly listed as a requirement. Your degree grades, the quality of your coursework and your overall academic performance will be central to the evaluation.
2. Technical and quantitative ability: Knowledge in stochastic operations research, probability theory and statistical methods is core to what this role requires. Experience with Python programming is expected. Familiarity with machine learning and reinforcement learning is valued.
3. Research motivation and fit: The cover letter and CV need to demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for high-quality, innovative research in Operations Management. The research group will look for candidates who understand what the work involves and can articulate why they are drawn to it.
4. Ability to work independently and collaboratively: The role involves both self-directed research and contribution to a team-based environment. Interpersonal skills and organisational ability are part of the evaluation.
5. Teaching readiness: The position includes teaching responsibilities at the Center for Digital Transformation. Comfort in an academic teaching or tutoring context will be a positive signal.
6. Diversity consideration: TUM actively encourages applications from women and from candidates with disabilities. Disabled applicants with equivalent qualifications will be given preference in selection.

Important Tips

1. Get your single PDF right. TUM is explicit that all documents must be in one PDF. A poorly compiled or incomplete PDF signals carelessness. Arrange it in the stated order: cover letter, CV, transcripts. Check the file size and that all pages are readable before sending.
2. Use exactly the right email subject line. The listing specifies “Operations Management” as the required subject line. Using a different subject line could mean your application is missed or miscategorised. Copy it exactly.
3. Make your cover letter specific to this research group. Reference the actual sub-areas of the group’s research, such as reinforcement learning for logistics, inventory management or spare part management. A generic motivation letter will not perform well against candidates who show they have read the listing carefully.
4. Highlight your Python experience clearly. Python is specifically mentioned as a required skill. If you have used it in academic projects, your thesis or any research work, include concrete examples in your CV or cover letter rather than simply listing it as a skill.
5. If you are close to completing your master’s, say so clearly. The listing accepts candidates who are near completion. State your expected graduation date in your CV and cover letter so there is no ambiguity about your eligibility.
6. Contact Ms. Corina Hausermann with any questions before submitting. It is better to clarify any document or eligibility questions in advance rather than submit something incomplete and hope for the best. The contact email is bewerbungen.cdt@mgt.tum.de.
7. Start your application early. The listing was posted on 28 April 2026 and the deadline is 28 May 2026, giving you exactly one month. Gathering transcripts, writing a strong cover letter and compiling everything into one PDF takes more time than most people expect.
8. Research the Center for Digital Transformation before you write anything. Visit https://www.mgt.tum.de/center-for-digital-transformation to understand the broader research environment. Demonstrating awareness of the centre’s work will make your application feel considered rather than opportunistic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have already completed my master’s degree to apply?

No. The listing explicitly states that candidates who are close to completing their master’s degree or equivalent are eligible to apply. Make sure you state your expected completion date clearly in your application.

Is this a scholarship or a job?

This is a paid employment position (Research Associate), not a traditional scholarship. You will be employed by TUM under the TV-L E13 pay scale, which means you earn a salary and have standard German employment rights and benefits, including public health insurance contributions.

Do I need to speak German to work at TUM Campus Heilbronn?

German language ability is not listed as a requirement. The role requires excellent English. That said, living and working in Germany will naturally benefit from some German language knowledge over time, even if it is not a formal condition of employment.

Is this position open to international candidates?

Yes. There are no nationality restrictions. TUM is an internationally oriented university and actively builds a diverse, global research community.

Can I apply for this position on a part-time basis?

Yes. The listing states that part-time arrangements are possible, and TUM encourages applications regardless of personal circumstances. If you are interested in a part-time arrangement, mention this in your cover letter or confirm it with the contact provided.

What research areas will I be working on? 

The core research areas of the professorship are reinforcement learning for logistics and production, inventory management and demand forecasting, and after sales services and spare part management. Your specific focus will be developed under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. G. P. Kiesmüller.

Will I be required to teach as part of this role?

Yes. Teaching responsibilities at the Center for Digital Transformation at TUM Campus Heilbronn are part of the role alongside research. 

How long is the contract and can it be extended?

The position is fixed for three years, with the possibility of extension. This aligns with the typical duration of a doctoral programme at TUM.

Official Link

For full details and to submit your application, email bewerbungen.cdt@mgt.tum.de with the subject line “Operations Management” and your single compiled PDF.

For more information about the Center for Digital Transformation, visit: https://www.mgt.tum.de/center-for-digital-transformation