Join the enthusiastic Sustainable Improvement Research Group of TECNUN.
About the position:
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to conduct research in Sustainable Production at the Department of Industrial Management, School of Engineering.
The Sustainable Improvement Group focuses on promoting, developing, and disseminating research that helps companies transition toward more circular and sustainable practices. This PhD research will serve a dual purpose:
- Equipping manufacturing companies with tools to assess the sustainability impacts of their operations.
- Developing a roadmap to analyze, propose, and justify improvement actions that simultaneously enhance operational efficiency and sustainability.
The project will integrate Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) with environmental, social, and economic sustainability indicators. The research will be supported by real case studies conducted in manufacturing companies.
Main responsibilities
We offer a fully funded PhD position for a duration of three to four years. The selected candidate will:
- Conduct research leading to a doctoral thesis, supported by publications in highly ranked indexed journals.
- Participate in meetings and collaborations with key stakeholders, providing an excellent opportunity for professional development.
- Work on-site in San Sebastián throughout the PhD period.
- Engage in departmental activities and fulfill any mandatory duties outlined in the PhD student agreements.
- Attend international conferences relevant to the research and may also undertake a short research stay at an international university to obtain the International PhD distinction.
Qualification requirements
- A strong academic background, with a master’s degree in Engineering (students in the final stages of their master’s degree may also apply).
- Candidates with a foreign degree equivalent to 300 ECTS are eligible if they can demonstrate PhD eligibility in their home country.
- Excellent English communication skills (both written and spoken).
- Intermediate/Advanced Spanish communication skills.
- Basic knowledge of Lean Manufacturing is desirable.
Further details about the position can be found on the Applied Engineering program web page.
Personal Characteristics
The ideal candidate should demonstrate:
- A goal-oriented and independent research mindset, with a critical and analytical approach.
- Strong communication skills, enabling effective collaboration with research teams, industrial partners, and fellow PhD students.
- Teamwork and adaptability, with the ability to engage in a multidisciplinary environment.
- Relevant practical experience will be considered a plus.
- Strong English writing and oral skills are required.
- Desirable basic knowledge in Lean Manufacturing technology is recommended.
Application Process
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Candidates should submit the following documents:
- A motivation letter explaining why they wish to pursue this PhD.
- A complete Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Certified transcripts and degree certificates (for bachelor’s and master’s degrees). Applicants with foreign degrees must provide an official description of their grading system.
- Two references (names and contact details of two people who can provide recommendations).
The position is expected to start in September 2025, and early availability will be considered an advantage.
Learn more:
To learn more about the University of Navarra click here
To learn more about Tecnun, The Engineering School of the University of Navarra click here
To learn more about the city San Sebastian click here
To learn more about the City Science Lab, MIT, click here
