The Chair of Innovation Management is offering a part-time (60%) position as 

Research Associate / PhD Position in Innovation Management / Organization Studies

starting February 1st 2027, or upon agreement.

Your tasks include

• Conducting independent research projects within the chair’s key research areas with the goal of completing a PhD.
• Assist with teaching activities and mentoring students in their Bachelor and Master’s theses.
• Contribute to research and scholarly activities.

Your profile

• A distinguished Master’s degree in business administration or in a related discipline (e.g. psychology, sociology, political science), obtained no earlier than 2022.
• Strong interest in our key research areas: ecosystem orchestration, innovation and change, innovation and sustainability, business and regulation, regulatory territory, sustainable finance, ESG backlash, managerial and organizational cognition, organization theory, qualitative research.
• Demonstrated expertise in qualitative and/or quantitative empirical research methods.
• Deeply committed to conducting independent research.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an academic environment.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment.
• Excellent command of English (oral and written). French is an asset.

What we offer

• Access to PhD-level training in research skills, including methods, theory, etc.
• Opportunities for engagement within the (inter)national scientific community, including regular participation in international conferences.
• Engagement in high-impact research projects.
• Salary (Salary scale – in French): 2026 gross annual salary, 1st year employed at 100%: CHF 74’000 (~EUR 81’900) – Equivalent 60%: CHF 44’400.- (~EUR 49’000).
• Contract of 1 year renewable (max. 4 years in total).
• Attractive working environment.

University background

The University of Neuchâtel has ~4’500 students who benefit from top-level academic trainings with excellent support. It is one of the most international universities in Switzerland, with about 100 nationalities present and a quarter of students coming from abroad. Ideally located midway between Geneva and Zürich, it is a perfect place to study or undertake high-level research in an idyllic setting between lake and mountains.

Application procedure and deadline

The application files, including statement of interest, CV, copies of diplomas with grade transcripts, a representative scientific work as a first author (e.g. working paper), GMAT or GRE scores if available, two letters of reference should be uploaded via this application form: https://neuchatel.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eURJ8zDv8zfnikK

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but no later than August 31st 2026. UniNE provides non‐discriminatory working conditions.

Institute of Management
Rue A.-L. Breguet 2
2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
Tel: +41 32 718 13 60
www.unine.ch/imn