Research Associate (m/f/d) in Business Analytics

Position

Research Associate / PhD Candidate (m/f/d) focused on sequential decision‑making under uncertainty with an emphasis on healthcare operations and data‑driven decision systems. The role is located at the Center for Digital Transformation, TUM School of Management, Campus Heilbronn, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Jingui Xie. It is a fixed‑term position of 3 years starting September 2026, with the possibility of extension and a pay group TV‑L E13, 75 %.

Research Focus

We are developing mathematical foundations for rigorous, interpretable, data‑driven decision models that integrate:

• Markov Decision Processes and stochastic dynamic programming
• Risk‑sensitive and robust optimization
• Learning‑based approaches such as reinforcement learning and inverse learning
• Numerical validation using real‑world healthcare data

Responsibilities

• Develop novel models for sequential decision‑making under uncertainty
• Conduct theoretical analyses (e.g., structural properties, optimal policies)
• Design and implement efficient algorithms for large‑scale stochastic systems
• Integrate data‑driven methods for model estimation, learning, and validation
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary partners in healthcare and data science
• Publish research in leading journals (e.g., Management Science, MSOM, Operations Research)
• Present findings at international conferences
• Teach to the extent of 3.75 semester hours per week at TUM Campus Heilbronn
• Supervise bachelor’s and master’s students

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in operations research, applied mathematics, computer science, industrial engineering or a related field
• Strong background in dynamic programming, Markov decision processes, probability theory, stochastic modeling, optimization methods, and algorithm design
• Motivation for mathematical modeling and theoretical analysis
• Programming skills in Python, Julia or similar
• Experience with data analysis or machine learning is an asset
• Ability to work independently and within a research team
• Proficiency in English, written and spoken

Benefits

• Fully funded academic staff position with opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree
• Access to unique healthcare datasets and international collaborations
• Highly active research environment with strong publication support
• Structured PhD training focused on high‑impact research
• Opportunities to collaborate with leading institutions worldwide
• Participation in international conferences
• Inclusive, interdisciplinary research community at the Center for Digital Transformation

EEO Statement

TUM is committed to increasing the representation of women in its workforce and strongly encourages applications from qualified female candidates. The position can also be filled on a part‑time basis. The position is suitable for disabled persons, and disabled applicants will be given preference when suitability is generally equivalent.