Doctoral (PhD) student/Research Associate in Sustainability Management (m/f/d)
Your tasks
This is unique opportunity for early-stage researchers who are passionate about corporate sustainability topics such as biodiversity and climate change transformation strategies, circular and regenerative business practices, and nature-based solutions from the perspective of corporate governance and leaders at the top of the organization.
The successful applicant will join a team of researchers supported by a Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) grant in collaboration with the Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Business Administration (HWZ) and the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW). In addition, you will support the Chair of Sustainability Management in teaching and research-related tasks.
The Chair of Sustainability Management at HSG has established a track-record for high quality research with insights for practice. We apply a mix of qualitative and quantitative empirical research methods to understand how companies and leaders drive the transformation towards a more environmentally sustainable world. We draw on a variety of different theoretical perspectives to do so, often taking a phenomenon driven approach.
Your profile
- Hold a Master's degree from a recognized university, or are close to holding such a degree
- Have a background in sustainability from the perspective of business administration (strategy, corporate governance, organizational behavior, social-psychological perspectives of leaders at the top of the organization), environmental psychology, or related disciplines with an emphasis on social science (e.g. in social/economic geography, social ecology, conservation biodiversity, etc)
- Are passionate about transformative sustainability
- Are highly motivated, with a proven track record of excellent research performance
- Are able to work independently but have strong team-player qualities
- Have a solid understanding in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods
- Are fluent in English and have strong writing skills; a good knowledge of German is a plus
Applications must be submitted via HSG's online application portal. Please submit the following materials by 15 February 2025.
- A statement of motivation and research interest addressed to Prof. Judith Walls (1-2 pages)
- Your CV
- Transcripts of all obtained degrees (in English or German)
- A sample of your writing, in English (e.g. an extract from your Master's thesis or a research article)
- Three reference letters or contact details of 3 referees
We look forward to receiving your application!
Inspirational Work Environment
Executive Education
Network
Family & Career
Equal Opportunities
Fit and Healthy
Inspirational Work Environment
At the HSG, as Europe's leading business university, we operate in an entrepreneurial environment where you will meet highly qualified, ambitious experts - both regionally and internationally. For example, you benefit from a modern IT infrastructure and, in our library via HSGswisscovery, from nationwide access to the wealth of scientific information available.
Executive Education
We support internal and external executive education opportunities. Our internal executive education programme offers you a practical, dedicated and didactically mature transfer of knowledge in the form of seminars, e-learning, coaching and collegial advice. We support task-specific external training and executive education financially as well as with regard to the time required.
Network
We promote our culture of cross-functional collaboration and create space for forging valuable relationships - also with external partners. Regular exchanges and internal events help to strengthen these relationships and make them long-lasting.
Family & Career
We provide our employees with flexible work time models with a variable number of hours per week. As a family-friendly employer, we offer part-time positions, 16 weeks of maternity leave and a subsidised crèche, as well as support with childcare during the vacations.
Equal Opportunities
The University enables equal opportunities for all employees and students. This applies to degree courses and work, as well as academic careers, university management positions and the reconciliation of studies, work and private commitments. We are committed to this with various measures in the areas of teaching, research, administration and the Presidency.
Fit and Healthy
We help you stay fit and healthy. In addition to our diverse range of sports activities at the university, most of which are free of charge, and campaign weeks for corporate health management, we also offer you fruit in the workplace. In our canteen you will find a wide selection of freshly prepared meals - from vegetarian to fish dishes - at discounted prices.
Further information on working at the HSG can be found here.
For job-related questions
Professor of Sustainability Management
Co-Director IWÖ-HSG
Become part of a committed team with an outstanding workplace culture in an inspiring setting.
Head of Operations IWÖ-HSG
We look forward to welcoming you to the team.
Your place of work
University of St.Gallen
«A place where knowledge is created» - As one of Europe's leading universities of economics and business administration, the University of St.Gallen (HSG), Switzerland, is committed to the education of over 9800 students. The HSG is one of the largest employers in the region and provides an attractive and innovative environment for more than 3300 researchers, educators and professional staff.
