PhD Student Environmental Strategy Production (f/m/d)

Work environment

As a globally operating company, the Volkswagen Group bears responsibility for the environmental compatibility and sustainability of its products, production facilities, and upstream and downstream processes throughout the value chain. The department "Environment" is responsible for coordinating and organising environmental topics at the Group level, as well as ensuring effective environmental compliance structures. This role is assigned to strategy development and implementation, with a focus on the Group environmental program goTOzero. You will work in a highly motivated team responsible for developing and implementing the “Zero Impact Factory” environmental strategy for production sites worldwide. As a doctoral candidate, you will make a significant contribution to this process by developing a quantitative method for measuring and managing the environmental impact of our sites. You will have the opportunity to publish your research results and present them at scientific conferences. The outcome of your work will be integrated into industrial practice and will help the company achieve its ambitious environmental goals.

Possible Tasks within this Role

• Identifying and evaluating established and emerging environmental assessment approaches for application in an industrial context (e.g., planetary boundaries, absolute sustainability, Science Based Targets)
• Developing a method for environmental assessment of production sites, taking into account external drivers and framework conditions (e.g., legislation, ESG ratings)
• Actively involving relevant environmental committees and the global production network in the development of the methodology

The final doctoral topic is defined together with the professor. The prerequisite for the cooperation is the confirmation of supervision as well as a confirmed delimitation of topics by the professor of a university or research institution entitled to confer a doctorate. We are happy to support you in this process.

Qualification Requirements

• Good to very good university degree qualifying for doctoral studies in environmental protection, industrial engineering, or a comparable field
• Initial experience with quantitative environmental assessment methods is an advantage
• English language level B2
• Strong analytical thinking skills and the ability to understand and clearly present complex relationships
• Strong problem‑solving skills and a willingness to develop innovative ideas
• High level of teamwork, independence, and reliability

The following documents must be submitted with the application

• Curriculum Vitae
• Current transcript of records / Master’s or Diplom degree certificate

Keywords

Dissertation, Life Cycle Assessment, Manufacturing, Environmental KPI Management, Industrial Ecology, Carbon Budget

What We Offer

• Attractive salary & 30 vacation days (+ 24.12. and 31.12. off)
• 35‑hour week, flexible working hours, remote work
• Special conditions for the purchase and leasing of vehicles
• Free seminars on scientific work and interdisciplinary qualifications
• Participation in the doctoral network for scientific exchange with science representatives and other doctoral candidates within the Volkswagen Group

Contact person for this posting: Fabian Wenzel