University of Neuchâtel | PhD Position & Research Associate in Innovation Management / Organization Studies

Institute of Management (IMN)

Chair of Innovation Management

Location: Neuchâtel, Switzerland

Position Type: Part-time (60%)

Start Date: February 1, 2027 (or upon agreement)

About the Position

The Chair of Innovation Management at the University of Neuchâtel is offering a part-time doctoral position that seamlessly combines high-impact independent research with academic collaboration. As a Research Associate, you will work toward completing your PhD within an elite, multicultural university ecosystem located in an idyllic setting between the lake and the mountains.

Key Research Tracks & Focus Areas

Candidates should possess a strong intellectual interest in one or more of the Chair's primary research domains:

• Ecosystem Orchestration

• Innovation, Change, and Strategic Resilience

• Innovation and Sustainability / Sustainable Finance

• Business, Regulation, and Regulatory Territory

• ESG Backlash

• Managerial and Organizational Cognition

• Organization Theory & Qualitative/Quantitative Empirical Methods

Core Tasks & Responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality, independent research projects matching the department's core themes with the goal of writing and defending a PhD thesis.

• Assist with departmental teaching obligations and provide academic mentoring to undergraduate and graduate students writing their Bachelor's and Master's theses.

• Actively contribute to ongoing research initiatives, workshops, and scholarly activities within the Institute of Management.

Candidate Profile & Eligibility Requirements

• Education: A distinguished Master’s degree in Business Administration, Management, or a closely related discipline (such as Psychology, Sociology, or Political Science) obtained no earlier than 2022.

• Methodology: Demonstrated foundational expertise in either qualitative or quantitative empirical research methodologies.

• Skills: Highly self-motivated, deeply committed to carrying out autonomous research, and capable of working effectively in a collaborative, multicultural academic framework.

• Language: An excellent command of both written and spoken English is mandatory. Proficiency in French is considered a valuable asset.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive Training: Complete access to structured, PhD-level training modules targeting research methods, advanced theories, and academic writing.

• Global Exposure: Funded opportunities to engage with national and international scientific communities, including regular presentations at major international conferences.

• Attractive Compensation: Competitive Swiss national salary scales. The 60% position equivalent equates to a gross annual salary of CHF 44,400 (~EUR 49,000).

• Tenure Structure: An initial contract framework of 1 year, renewable annually up to a maximum duration of 4 years in total.

Application Procedure & Timeline

The University of Neuchâtel provides non-discriminatory, highly attractive working conditions. Applications are being actively reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is successfully filled.

• Final Deadline: All portfolios must be uploaded no later than August 31, 2026.

• Required Documents:

  1. Detailed Statement of Interest (Cover Letter)

  2. Up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  3. Copies of all university diplomas accompanied by official grade transcripts

  4. A representative piece of scientific writing as first author (e.g., a working paper or Master's thesis chapter)

  5. Two official letters of reference

  6. GMAT or GRE scores (optional, if available)

• Official Application Form: Submit Your Application via Qualitrics

• Institutional Details: To learn more about the department, faculty profiles, and research pipelines, visit www.unine.ch/imn.

Important Links