Overview

The traditional business model (taking natural resources, making a product, using a product, and then disposing the product) is putting a lot of pressure on our planet. circular economy is to break the take-make-use-disposal model, and to keep the material in the usage phase for as long as possible.

WS Audiology (WSA), the leading manufacturer of hearing aids, is transitioning to a circular business model. WSA is launching a research project to facilitate this transition. The project covers five aspects: returned hearing aids analysis, cost and benefit analysis, eco-design, operation process integration, and supply chain and peer company integration.

Together with the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), we are recruiting a full-time postgraduate (PhD) student to study these aspects of developing a circular economy for the hearing aids industry.

Qualification

• Master or Bachelor Degree in Systems Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Product Development, Supply Chain or related fields

• Experience in surveys or handling of real-world datasets
• Knowledge in Circular Economy principles (circular business models, eco-design, reverse logistics), life cycle assessment, and/or material flow analysis preferred
  
• Knowledge of Python, R, GIS software is an advantage
  

We seek motivated candidates who can exercise project and research management skills, and are ready to thrive in a dynamic, multicultural and multidisciplinary team. The successful candidate will be co-supervised by Associate Professor Lynette Cheah at SUTD and Head of Sustainability Chaojun Li, working closely with the R&D and Operation departments in WSA. Excellent command of written English and oral presentation skills is necessary. The PhD position is for four years, preferably starting in January 2023.

The position is based in Singapore, and the successful candidate will be employed by WSA during the PhD period, completing the PhD programme at SUTD. The scholarship is part of the Economic Development Board (EDB) industrial Postgraduate Programme (IPP). See: https://www.sutd.edu.sg/Admissions/Graduate/Industrial-Programmes/EDB-IPP.

About WS Audiology (WSA)

WS Audiology combines over 140 years of experience in pioneering better solutions to help people with hearing loss. With a passion for impact, our 12.000 employees are committed to achieving our purpose: wonderful sound for all. With brands like Signia, Widex, Audio Service, Rexton and Vibe, and with diverse assets across wholesale, retail, online, managed care and diagnostic solutions, we are active in over 125 markets. Going beyond together, we achieve annual revenues of around EUR 2 billion.

About The Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)

The Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) was established in 2009 in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to advance knowledge and nurture technically-grounded leaders and innovators to serve societal needs. It is a research-intensive global university focused on technology and technology-based design. 

Interested applicants are to submit their resume, cover letter (optional), contact information of three references, and an English technical writing sample. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.