PhD in Strategy and Organization

Are you interested in understanding how the social and political context in which companies operate shapes their decisions? Are you eager to learn how sustainability pressures translate to changes in firm and industry practices? The Strategy & International Business section at the Amsterdam Business School of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) invites applications for a PhD in Strategy & Organization to study the social context of organizational and market transformation for sustainability. We are looking for talented PhD candidates with the ambition to work and succeed at the highest international academic level.

Project description

To address global sustainability challenges, coalitions of activists, NGOs, and broader social movements have been pushing for a transition away from unsustainable industry practices and have helped accelerate the formation of moral markets, sectors offering market-based solutions to social and environmental issues. Government policies related to pressures for sustainability also have tremendous influence on organizational change, the transformation of existing industries (e.g. chemicals, utilities, tobacco, meat production), as well as on and the emergence of alternative, moral markets (e.g. renewable energy, fair trade, green buildings, ethical fashion, organic food). Yet, these changes have not been rapid and far-reaching enough to address the most urgent sustainability challenges of our time. In light of these developments, this project aims to examine how  the socio-political context in which firms operate shapes their decisions and outcomes, and the implications of sustainability pressures for organizational and industry-wide change. Drawing on theoretical foundations in organization theory, strategy, and related disciplines (e.g. sociology, economics, political science, communication studies), the PhD project will develop new knowledge on these important topics.

As a member of the Strategy & International Business section, you will have liberty to define your precise research project within this domain under the guidance of the supervisory team, and to join existing projects in related areas. The supervisory team has a track record of publishing in the best journals in strategy, management, and organization theory; strong expertise in the proposed study area; and a local and international network that can further support the PhD candidate as they learn to conduct high quality research. In addition, the project will offer opportunities for cross-pollination across disciplines.

During your PhD, you will be trained to conduct empirical research aimed at advancing research in top-tier academic journals. You will take doctoral-level courses at the UvA and affiliated schools, and  benefit from and contribute to the vibrant seminar series, research initiatives, international academic networks, and collegial environment of the section.

Tasks and responsibilities

The PhD student will work in close collaboration with the supervisor and other academic staff to conduct high quality research. Key responsibilities include:

• Attending classes and seminars (including some offered at partner universities) to further develop thinking and research skills;
• review of existing literature to devise research questions, theoretical frameworks, and testable hypotheses;
• data collection, management, and analyses;
• presenting research findings at leading conferences;
• writing for publication in prestigious management/organization journals;
• participating in and contributing to departmental research functions (e.g. research seminars, research meetings, PhD Day);
• assisting in teaching activities, such as tutorials and the supervision of BSc or MSc dissertations.

Your profile

• Master’s degree in management or a related discipline such as sociology, economics, or political science (candidates with a degree in other relevant disciplines who fit the profile are also encouraged to apply);
• a track record of outstanding academic results;
• excellent command of English, ideally with experience writing for a scientific audience;
• willingness and motivation to independently formulate research projects and carry them through to completion;
• explicit interest in scientific research and strong analytical/quantitative skills;
• intellectual curiosity, eagerness to learn, and openness to criticism.

Preference will be given to applicants who

• Have a Research Master´s or MPhil degree or equivalent;
• have expertise in programming/statistical tools (e.g. R, Python, Stata) or automated content analysis, and a willingness to develop these skills further;
• exhibit an international orientation and a motivation to pursue an academic career at a leading university.

Our offer

The preferable start date for this position is September 1st, 2024.

The compensation package is competitive at the European level and includes several fringe benefits. Favourable tax agreements may apply to non-Dutch applicants. To know more about working at the University of Amsterdam, please check this link  and uva.nl/working-at-eb .

The employment contract will be for four years with an initial period of 18 months, with an intermediate evaluation after 18 months and a possibility to extend it for 30 months (in total four years). End-result should be a PhD thesis. An educational plan will be drafted that includes attendance of courses and (international) conferences.

The gross monthly salary will range between €2,770,- in the first year to  €3,539,- in the last year for full-time employment (38 hours per week), excluding holiday allowance (8%) and year-end bonus (8.3%).

The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities is applicable.

Additionally, the University of Amsterdam offers excellent benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• A maximum of 29 days of annual leave based on full-time employment;
• possibility to save an additional 12 days of leave on an annual basis;
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus;
• solid pension scheme (ABP);
• contribution to commuting expenses, an internet and homework allowance.

What else do we offer

• A university that is consistently ranked among the world's best universities globally. It is a top-100 university in both the Times Higher Education Rankings and QS Rankings (top-20 in Europe);
• a function in which your own initiative and input are strongly valued;
• close supervision by experienced, research-driven faculty and rigorous training in collaboration with other schools and universities;
• a vibrant research environment that is inspiring, collaborative, and international (more than 50% of our section’s faculty is international, the working language is English, and we encourage academic exchanges with leading schools globally).

Employer

About UvA Economics and Business

Education and research at UvA Economics and Business (EB) cover a wide range of fields that includes economics, data science, business administration, business analytics, accountancy, control, econometrics, finance, and entrepreneurship. This is organised in 2 Schools: the Amsterdam Business School (ABS) and the Amsterdam School of Economics (ASE). Over 7,000 students are enrolled in our UvA Economics and Business programs, and around 500 employees provide education and support. You will primarily work in the Amsterdam Business School that acquired the triple-crown accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS), which is awarded to only 1% of business schools worldwide.

Find more information about Economics and Business on uva.nl/eb .

Find more information about the Amsterdam Business School on abs.uva.nl .

Find more information about the Amsterdam School of Economics on ase.uva.nl .

Department

You will collaborate with dr. Panikos Georgallis (supervisor), Prof. J.W. Stoelhorst (promotor), and other potential faculty at the Amsterdam Business School . The department of Strategy & International Business Section includes several faculty who do research and teach in the areas of strategy, organizations, innovation, international business, and sustainability. Members of the department have published their research in top-tier academic journals, such as Administrative Science Quarterly, Strategic Management Journal, Academy of Management Review, Academy of Management Journal, Organization Science, Journal of International Business Studies, Journal of Management Studies, Organization Studies, and Research Policy. Members of the department are also involved in teaching in undergraduate, masters, and executive programs and uphold strong relationships with industry and business.

Questions

Do you have any questions, or do you require additional information? Please email dr. Panikos Georgallis, Associate Professor ([email protected]) with the subject line “PhD position inquiry”.

Job application

Studies show that women and members of underrepresented groups only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Do you meet the educational requirements but do not yet have all the required experience? Then the UvA encourages you to apply.

Do you recognise yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application no later than April 20, 2024. If your files are ready you are encouraged to submit earlier (we will review applications on a rolling basis, with April 20th as the final deadline for submissions). The candidate will start preferably on September 1, 2024. Please apply online by using the link below.

Applications should include (1) A curriculum vitae (CV); and (2) The following supporting material (in one pdf document and in this order ):

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a job interview and may be asked to present their master’s thesis and/or other research work. Moreover, the candidates may be asked to provide two reference letters.

* Copies of degrees or certificates are acceptable. Candidates may be asked to provide formal degrees/transcripts (certified translations if not in English or Dutch) if selected for a later stage .

** It is possible to apply without GMAT/GRE scores, but we will look for additional evidence of excellence such as GPA, university degree, research experience, an excellent master thesis or other output that documents scientific engagement. 

*** If you are a native English speaker or you have studied in an English-speaking university program for at least two years, you can note this and add proof in your application, in lieu of a TOEFL/IELTS score.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

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