Hereby we announce the vacancy of two research staff positions for our exciting Value Chain 2020 initiative as part of the IMD Global Value Chain Center. The goal of the initiative is to help business and value chain executives transform their value chains over the next decade to achieve and maintain competitive advantage, sustainable growth and profitability. The research will accomplish this by developing new value chain strategies that support company competitive strategies and create full business alignment.

Against this background we are looking for two candidates for the following position:

JUNIOR RESEARCH SUPPORT STAFF (0,8 FTE)

The researchers, who we are seeking for, should support the senior research team consisting of prof dr Carlos Cordon and Prof dr Winter Nie (both at IMD Lausanne) and prof dr Arjan van Weele and Mr. Wouter Crul (both located at the Netherlands). Candidates should be able to support the research staff with research work (including literature surveys, expert interviews), client work (including field interviews and reporting) and project work (supporting the organization of our six Forum meetings during a period of 2 years maximum). The project would allow candidates to engage in contact with over 15 leading international companies around the world in the field of sourcing, supply chain management  and value chain management. Moreover, candidates will enjoy the benefits of the academic environment represented by IMD Lausanne and/or Eindhoven University of Technology. Finally, the work experience should allow candidates to apply successfully for a job at either an international consulting organization or a reputed business school.

 Qualified candidates are urgently requested to apply. Candidates should have finished their Master study in management science or business administration at a recognized business school in Europe or the United States with more than satisfactory grades. Moreover candidates should meet the following personal qualifications:

·         Be able to practice academic logic, methodology and writing

·         Be able to practice both qualitative research methods

·         Be able to write management case studies

·         Exert an academic attitude and curiosity

·         Be fluent in English, both verbally and in writing

·         Be able to work in a rather independent way

·         Have a high level of self organization

·         Be an excellent communicator

·         Be a convincing presenter

·         Have high personal standards on confidentiality and integrity

·         Be willing to travel extensively abroad

Of course, candidates should be experienced in using contemporary office software. Depending on motivation and actual performance, candidates may be granted the opportunity to start their PhD project based upon their work.

Salaries will be competitive with those in the commercial market. Contract will extend to one year; after one year an extension may follow for another year depending on actual performance. Total contract period will not extend more than two year, which is in line with the total project leadtime.

Commencement date: around August, 1st. Final contract date: July, 31st 2013.

Research staff will be supervised by prof dr Carlos Cordon, Lego Chair on Supply Chain Management at IMD Lausanne, Switzerland and prof dr Arjan van Weele, NEVI Chair Purchasing and Supply Management, Eindhoven University of Technology. Candidates may operate from different locations as most of the communications will happen through e-mail, social media and Skype. However, monthly follow up meetings in both The Netherlands and Switzerland will be planned for.

Candidates are requested to submit a strong, motivational letter, accompanied by a letter of recommendation from the academic staff of their university or business school. Next, a copy of their thesis should be included (electronically) and articles (if any). All correspondence should be submitted to: a.j.v.weele@tue.nl  or carlos.cordon@imd.sw.

For more information regarding the Value Chain 2020 initiative: http://www.imd.org/research/global-centers/value-chain/#