PhD Student Strategic Semiconductor Management (f/m/d)

Work environment

Strategic Semiconductor Management is a systematic approach to ensuring a sustainable supply of technically and economically competitive semiconductors. Modern vehicle technologies such as ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), connected vehicles, and electromobility are driving a steadily increasing demand for semiconductors. Their commercial relevance to our vehicles continues to grow and directly impacts our competitiveness. Strategic Semiconductor Management therefore contributes to making Volkswagen AG more resilient to global uncertainties, fosters innovation, and secures long‑term competitiveness. It combines technical expertise, business acumen, and a deep understanding of global market mechanisms to create long‑term stability and sustainable growth. As a PhD Student in Strategic Semiconductor Management at Volkswagen AG, you are working on one of the most strategically important topics in the automotive industry. You actively help shape how we secure and future‑prove our supply of key technologies.

Possible Tasks within this Role

• Analyzing and further developing semiconductor procurement within the automotive industry, particularly by comparing it with best practices in Big Tech companies
• Designing methods and processes (e.g., cross‑industry benchmarking, cost models, change management) to support a future‑oriented procurement organization
• Developing a strategic procurement model for semiconductors, with a particular focus on demand/supply allocation and forecasting
• Identifying process standards related to semiconductor sourcing, cost analysis, and crisis resilience, and adapting them to the automotive sector
• Designing and implementing a supplier performance management model based on semiconductor‑specific criteria
• Analyzing and categorizing strategic semiconductor partnerships

The final doctoral topic is defined together with the professor from the University of Mannheim. The prerequisite for the cooperation is the confirmation of supervision as well as a confirmed delimitation of topics by the professor.

Qualification Requirements

• Very good university degree qualifying for doctoral studies in Business Administration, Business Informatics, Engineering Sciences, or a related discipline, preferably with a focus on Procurement/Supply Chain Management
• Strong interest and ideally previous experience in the automotive industry, digital transformation, and procurement/supply management
• International experience through multi-month internships or study abroad programs is highly desirable
• High proficiency in MS Office applications and presentation tools
• English language level B2
• Ability to communicate complex topics clearly and precisely
• Analytical mindset, team orientation, creativity

Keywords

dissertation, strategy, chip supply management, automotive supply chain resilience, foundry partnerships, risk mitigation strategies