Position Summary
Position:
Department:
Chair of Strategic Management and Innovation
Institute:
ETH Zurich
Country:
Switzerland
Research Field:
Management, Strategy, Organization Studies, Information Systems, Sociology, Business Administration, Economics, Computer Science, Engineering
Posted Date:
Mar 25, 2026
Deadline:
open until filled
Offer Period:
NA
Offer Start Date:
as soon as possible
PhD Position in Management and Organization Research: AI in Strategic Management
Description:
- We are excited to announce a PhD position at the Chair of Strategic Management and Innovation (SMI), ETH Zurich. The position is part of an SNSF-funded research project that examines how advanced AI technologies reshape strategy-making, organizational design, and continuous adaptation in organizations.
- The Chair of Strategic Management and Innovation offers an inspiring, team-based research environment with a dynamic and international group of researchers. SMI is committed to research at the highest academic level in management and business, and the team has a strong track record of publishing in leading journals such as Academy of Management Journal, Management Science, Organization Science, Strategic Management Journal, Academy of Management Annals, and Journal of Management Studies.
- This is a PhD position in management and organization research, not a technical AI-development role. The successful candidate will study AI as an organizational and strategic phenomenon, with a strong focus on theory-driven, publication-oriented research. The empirical work will involve field research in collaboration with leading company partners, including regular engagement with organizational actors and processes. The position is particularly suitable for applicants considering a future career in academia. Applicants pursuing other long-term paths are welcome if they are strongly motivated to develop rigorous research and aim to publish in leading scholarly journals.
- PhD candidates are expected to produce a dissertation of at least three high-quality papers targeted at top-tier journals, with the goal of advancing management and organization research. The position offers close supervision, as well as access to ETH Zurich’s research infrastructure, the SMI Chair, and the broader AI research environment at ETH.
Required Qualification:
Essential Qualification:
- Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as Management, Strategy, Organization Studies,
- Information Systems, Sociology, Business Administration, Economics, Computer Science, Engineering, or related fields
- Outstanding academic performance and clear evidence of research potential
- Clear motivation for an academically rigorous, publication-oriented PhD
- Strong interest in strategy processes, organizational design, and/or the organizational implications of AI
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Strong methodological skills, or clear willingness to develop them further during the PhD
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams
- Excellent academic writing skills in English
- Willingness to conduct intensive field research, including interviews, observations, and document-based research in organizational settings
- Willingness to travel regularly to relevant field sites
- Ability to be based in Zurich from the beginning of the appointment
Preferred Qualification:
- Professional fluency in English is required. Because the project involves field research in a German-speaking business context and may include interaction with employees across organizational levels, German proficiency is an advantage.
- Knowledge or practical experience with AI, particularly in business or organizational contexts
- Experience with empirical research methods relevant to the position
- Prior research assistant experience or other evidence of active engagement in academic research
- Exposure to strategy, organization, or management research
Employment Conditions and Benefits:
Contract duration:
Not Available
Benefits:
- The opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research in a highly relevant and rapidly evolving field
- Supervision and collaboration with leading faculty and senior researchers at ETH Zurich
- An inspiring, international, and supportive research environment
- A dissertation project consisting of at least three papers aimed at top-tier journals
- Access to ETH Zurich’s excellent research infrastructure and strong international collaborations
- Competitive salary and employment conditions according to ETH Zurich regulations
- A unique opportunity to work with leading company partners while developing publishable research
Application Process:
Documents Required:
- Motivation letter (max. 2 pages) explaining your research interests, your fit with the position, and your motivation for a publication-oriented PhD
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts and diplomas (Bachelor and Master)
- Master thesis (mandatory). Applicants who have not yet finalized their Master thesis should upload a current draft. If available, please also include the official thesis grade
- Names and contact details of at least two academic referees
- At least one academic reference letter, preferably from the Master thesis supervisor or another faculty member familiar with the applicant’s research abilities
- A brief indication of English and German proficiency, as well as any prior research experience or methodological training relevant to the position
How to apply:
- We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming an outstanding doctoral researcher to our team at ETH Zurich.
- Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
- We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
About the Host Lab Group/Institution:
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.
Explore Other Similar Positions:
You may also be interested in the following PhD positions. These opportunities are currently open across universities and research institutes worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can apply for a PhD position?
PhD positions are open to candidates who hold, or will soon complete, a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a related field. Specific academic requirements may vary depending on the institution and research project.
Can international candidates apply?
Yes. Most PhD positions are open to international applicants. Universities usually provide support for visa applications and residence permits, subject to national regulations.
Is a Master’s degree mandatory for applying to a PhD?
In most cases, a completed Master’s degree is required. However, some institutions may consider exceptional candidates with strong academic backgrounds or integrated Master–PhD programs.
What is the typical duration of a PhD program?
A PhD program typically lasts 3 to 5 years, depending on the country, funding scheme, and research field. Some programs may allow extensions under specific circumstances.
Is the PhD position fully funded?
Most advertised PhD positions are fully funded and include a monthly salary or stipend. Funding details, tuition coverage, and benefits are usually specified in the job description.
Are PhD candidates considered students or employees?
This depends on the country and institution. In many European countries, PhD candidates are employed as staff members, while in others they may be registered as students receiving a stipend.
Are teaching responsibilities included in PhD positions?
Teaching duties vary by institution. Some PhD positions include teaching or lab supervision, while others are research-only. The exact expectations are described in each job advertisement.
Disclaimer:
This position is published for informational purposes. Please refer to the official application link for the most accurate and up-to-date details.