PhD​/Research Associate in corporate pivoting

At the Global Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (GCEI) with Prof. Dr. Joakim Wincent, there is an opportunity for a PhD candidate / Research Associate in corporate pivoting (50%).

The GCEI is the “Global Think Tank for Entrepreneurship and Innovation” at the University of St.Gallen. Entrepreneurship and innovation are two central driving forces for economic growth and guarantors of sustainable prosperity. Both fields are interrelated:
Innovation needs entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurship needs innovation.

In your PhD you will conduct research about corporate pivoting (radical strategic changes). Research on corporate pivoting offers a fresh perspective on how established corporations navigate through market volatility and unpredictability. The importance of corporate pivoting is underscored by the rapid technological advancements and market shifts challenging the adaptability and agility of established organizations. This research project seeks to deepen understanding of the strategic processes that enable corporations to pivot effectively, thereby contributing to organizational resilience and competitive advantage.

• Conduct high-quality research on corporate pivoting
• Proactively acquire organizations, interview partners, and manage data collection end-to-end
• Work with a high degree of autonomy, ownership, and responsibility
• Translate empirical findings into working papers and publication-oriented outputs at an early stage
• Contribute to applied research and knowledge transfer projects with corporate partners
• Support the GCEI in workshops, seminars, and research-related events
• Help building a benchmark study on corporate pivoting in the DACH region

Your profile:

• Strong intrinsic motivation, high work ethic, and a clear output orientation
• Proven ability to work independently, proactively, and at a fast pace
• Strong interest in conducting rigorous research and publishing in top-tier management journals
• Excellent academic performance in a Master’s degree in business administration, business informatics, computer science, or a related field
• Solid understanding of entrepreneurship, innovation, or dynamic capabilities in corporations
• Ability to collect high-quality qualitative or quantitative data efficiently and systematically
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Ambition to complete a PhD in a focused, structured, and time-efficient manner

Please email a single PDF file including your CV, a short motivation letter, a transcript of your Bachelor’s and Master’s grades, and an exemplary piece of academic writing (your Master’s thesis or a term paper) to Dr. Janine Crivelli. In addition, please provide contact details of at least two references.

Review of applications will begin immediately. We are looking forward to your application.