Postdoctoral Researcher in Supply Chain Resilience
Solliciteer nuPostdoctoral Researcher in Supply Chain Resilience
We are looking for a motivated researcher who combines strong quantitative skills with an interest in critical materials, supply chains, and sustainability.
Postdoctoral Researcher in Supply Chain Resilience
Solliciteer nu
What are you going to do?
You will investigate supply chains across material extraction, processing, manufacturing, use, and recycling. The research will examine how disruptions propagate between countries, sectors, and stages of production, and how different responses influence supply security, economic performance, and environmental outcomes.
Potential research directions include mapping dependencies and bottlenecks in critical material and clean energy supply chains; modelling the effects of trade restrictions, production interruptions, and changing demand; and evaluating strategies such as supplier diversification, recycling, material substitution, and technological innovation. The specific research focus will be developed with Dr Sun, taking account of your expertise and the project objectives.
Depending on the research questions, methods may include network analysis, material flow analysis, input–output modelling, optimisation, and scenario-based simulation.
Your main responsibilities will be to:
- Develop and apply quantitative models to assess supply chain vulnerabilities, disruption impacts, and recovery pathways.
- Compile, integrate, and critically evaluate data on material flows, international trade, production capacities, and clean energy technologies.
- Compare resilience strategies and assess their implications for resource use and environmental sustainability.
- Prepare research articles for peer-reviewed journals and communicate findings at scientific meetings.
- Collaborate with colleagues and contribute to the research activities of the group.
- Maintain transparent, well-documented datasets and reproducible analytical workflows.
About the position
The University of Groningen invites applications for a one-year postdoctoral position in supply chain resilience, working with Dr Xin Sun. The position focuses on understanding how supply chains can withstand disruptions, recover from shocks, and adapt to changing geopolitical, economic, and environmental conditions, with particular attention to critical materials and clean energy technologies.
The transition to a low-carbon economy depends on reliable supplies of materials and technologies. Concentrated production, international trade dependencies, and disruptions across interconnected supply chains can create vulnerabilities that affect the pace and sustainability of this transition. This project will develop quantitative approaches to identify these vulnerabilities, assess the consequences of disruptions, and evaluate strategies that strengthen resilience while supporting sustainability goals.
Who are you?
Your profile
You should have:
- A PhD, completed by the start of the appointment, in industrial ecology, environmental science, engineering, economics, operations research, supply chain management, or a closely related discipline.
- Experience in quantitative modelling and data analysis, with proficiency in Python, R, MATLAB, Julia, or a comparable programming language.
- Expertise in at least one relevant method, such as network analysis, material flow analysis, input–output analysis, optimisation, or systems modelling.
- The ability to formulate research questions, critically assess data and assumptions, and conduct independent research.
- Evidence of strong scientific writing, demonstrated through publications, manuscripts, or doctoral research.
- Excellent written and spoken English and the ability to collaborate in an international research environment.
Experience with critical material supply chains, clean energy technologies, international trade data, disruption modelling, or life cycle assessment would be an advantage. Applicants with strong transferable methodological expertise are also encouraged to apply.
What can you expect from us?
- In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least € 4.251 (salary scale 10.4) up to a maximum of € 4.925 (salary scale 10.7) gross per month for a full-time employment contract.
- 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
- End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
- Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
- A temporary appointment of 1.0 FTE for one year
Where will you be working?
At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.
The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) provides teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines, from physics and biology to artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and pharmacy. In close collaboration with partners from industry, healthcare, and society, we contribute to the urgent challenges of our time, such as energy, sustainability, digitization, and medical technology. Our community is open and informal, with more than 7,000 students, 1,000 PhD students, and 1,400 staff members from all over the world. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Science and Engineering, visit rug.nl/fse.
Your research environment
You will join the Integrated Research on Energy, Environment and Society (IREES) group within the Energy and Sustainability Research Institute Groningen (ESRIG), Faculty of Science and Engineering. You will work with Dr Xin Sun, whose research addresses the sustainability of critical materials and energy technologies through material flow analysis, supply chain risk assessment, systems modelling, and life cycle sustainability assessment.
The position offers an opportunity to develop your research profile at the intersection of supply chain resilience and sustainability, contribute to interdisciplinary research, and produce findings relevant to decisions about the clean energy transition.
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Application procedure
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.
The selection committee assesses your application and you will be notified as soon as possible whether you are invited for an interview.
We would like to get to know each other better in a first interview, which can take place either online or on location.
We may schedule a second interview with you. Depending on the position, this interview can be complemented with an assessment or guest lecture.
After a positive interview, we will discuss the terms of employment together. When everything is completed, we are happy to welcome you at the University of Groningen!
Interested?
Does this vacancy appeal to you? If so, click on the button below and apply straightaway.
Please add the following documents to your application:
- CV
Do you have any questions or need more information?
-
Questions about the content of the job?
Xin Sun
Assistant Professor
xin.sun@rug.nl -
Questions about your application process?
Xin Sun
Assistant Professor
xin.sun@rug.nl
Information about applying
When scheduling meetings, we will take your schedule into account as much as possible.
The University of Groningen considers social safety important. We strive to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identity. For more information, see also our page about our diversity policy.
Acquisition is not appreciated.
Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the NVP Application Code.
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