PhD Student Vehicle Development Circular Economy (f/m/d)

Work environmentAre you ready to help shape the future of vehicle development? At Volkswagen's Pre-Development Body System department, we work on cross-disciplinary research and development projects and manage strategic innovation topics related to the vehicle body systems. Our interdisciplinary team of experts develops the highlights of future vehicle generations, using the latest scientific methods and insights to bring them to production readiness. We collaborate with various departments within our Technical Development, our Group Innovation, our Group Brands, and numerous external research institutions. To strengthen our team, we are looking for you!Possible Tasks within this RoleCritically evaluate and further develop R-strategies (e.g., Reuse, Recycle) with a strong focus on technological feasibility, economic viability and scalability for high-volume productionDrive the integration of circular economy principles – especially Design for Recycling – into material and component development, ensuring short-term payback and implementation readiness for mass productionShape holistic circular value chains by collaborating closely with raw material suppliers, processors, and recycling partnersEnsure compliance with relevant regulations (e.g., ELV Directive) and continuously evaluate and optimize existing measures with regard to efficiency and cost-effectivenessActively contribute to building a Circular Economy Hub and support the development of scalable, economically viable circular business modelsThe 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.Qualification RequirementsGood to very good university degree qualifying for doctoral studies in the field of engineering or natural sciences Proven experience in the field of circular economy, ideally combined with expertise in the automotive industry – experience within the Volkswagen Group environment is a plusSolid understanding of industrial production processes and the economic and scalability challenges faced by high-volume manufacturersConfident handling of legal and regulatory requirements related to vehicle end-of-life and recycling (e.g., ELV Directive)Knowledge of environmental management systems and product development with a focus on recyclabilityGerman language level B2High level of technological curiosity, quick comprehension, and a strong passion for sustainability topicsAbility to independently develop research and innovation ideas, combined with strong communication skills and a collaborative, networking-oriented mindsetKeywordsLife Cycle Assessment (LCA), resource efficiency, circular product design, sustainable mobility, digital product passport, environmental footprint analysis, material cycles, automotive sustainability, innovative material concepts, green engineering