PhD Position in Management and Organization Research: AI in Strategic Management

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

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.

Project background

Institution: ETH Zurich, Department of Management, Technology, and Economics (D-MTEC)
Chair: Strategic Management and Innovation (Prof. Dr. Georg von Krogh)
Supervision: Prof. Dr. Georg von Krogh and Dr. Ann-Kristin Weiser
Start Date: Flexible; preferred start as soon as possible
Location: Zurich, with regular travel to relevant field sites

Job description

• 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

Profile

Language Requirement

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.

Additional Qualifications Considered 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

Workplace

We offer

• 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

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values , ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us - we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future .

Curious? So are we.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Please prepare the following documents:

• 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

Contact

For additional details, please visit the Chair’s website .

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.

Apply online now

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.