PhD Position in Entrepreneurship, SMEs & Family Business (m/f/d)
Your tasks
- Lead independent research as part of a cumulative dissertation (3–4 papers)
- Actively participate in seminars, workshops, and internal feedback sessions
- Contribute to institute through teaching assistance and academic tasks
- Collaborate with faculty members on joint research projects
- Present research findings at international conferences
Your profile
- Master's degree
- Strong academic record, typically within the top 25% of your cohort
- Evidence of research potential (e.g. thesis, RA experience, empirical project work)
- Aspiring academic career with focus on entrepreneurship, SMEs, or family business
Recent graduates supervised by the institute leadership have gone on to faculty positions at Tilburg University, University of Melbourne, Stockholm School of Economics, emlyon business school, TU Munich, WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management, and the University of Bern.
Positions are fully funded with an annual salary in line with HSG guidelines.
More details at: https://kmu.unisg.ch/en/the-institute/about-us/phd-recruiting/
For logistical purposes, we prefer applications to be submitted via this platform, but if you have already applied by email to the address listed on the institute website, your application will be treated equally and this has no negative impact on your chances.
We look forward to receiving your application!
Please submit the following documents online:
- CV
- Bachelor's and Master's transcripts
- Statement of purpose (1–2 pages)
- One-page outline of a research project idea that might be pursued in the PhD
- If available, GMAT/GRE score report (optional)
- For job-related questions: Prof. Dr. Henrik Lekkas, henrik.lekkas@unisg.ch
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
Assoziierter Professor für Entrepreneurship
Our PhD students don't just study the future of business. They help create it.
Direktor KMU-HSG
We enable the next generation of entrepreneurship scholars.
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 10'000 students. The HSG is one of the largest employers in the region and provides an attractive and innovative environment for more than 3'500 researchers, educators and professional staff.
