Doctoral Opportunity in Corporate Sustainability and Leadership
The Chair of Sustainability Management, under the leadership of Prof. Judith Walls at the Institute for Economy and the Environment (IWÖ-HSG), University of St. Gallen (HSG), invites applications for a doctoral student position focused on corporate governance and leadership in environmental sustainability and transformation.
Position Details
- Start Date: Mid-2025 (or upon agreement)
- PhD Programme: Management (PMA) – Commencing September 2025
- Research Areas: Corporate sustainability, biodiversity, climate change strategies, circular and regenerative business practices, and nature-based solutions.
The selected candidate will join a research team supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) in collaboration with the Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Business Administration (HWZ) and Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW). Responsibilities include contributing to research projects and supporting the Chair in teaching activities.
Read more about the PhD in Management (PMA) Program
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should:
- Hold (or be close to completing) a Master’s degree from an accredited university.
- Have a background in business administration (strategy, corporate governance, organizational behavior, leadership psychology), environmental psychology, or relevant social sciences (social/economic geography, social ecology, conservation biodiversity, etc.).
- Demonstrate a passion for transformative sustainability and possess strong research motivation.
- Have experience with qualitative and/or quantitative research methods.
- Be fluent in English with excellent writing skills (German proficiency is advantageous).
Application Process
Applications should be submitted via HSG’s online application portal by 15 February 2025 and must include:
- A motivation letter detailing research interests (1-2 pages, addressed to Prof. Judith Walls)
- CV
- Academic transcripts (English or German)
- A writing sample (e.g., Master’s thesis excerpt or published research)
- Three reference letters or referee contact details
About IWÖ-HSG and the Chair of Sustainability Management
Established in 1992, the Institute for Economy and the Environment (IWÖ-HSG) has been a leader in sustainability research and education. The Chair of Sustainability Management spearheads national and international research initiatives and has introduced innovative academic programs, including:
- Bachelor’s Certificate in Integrative Sustainability Management (SuM-HSG)
- Certificate in Advanced Studies in Leading Sustainability Transformation (CAS LST-HSG)
The Chair employs empirical research methodologies, both qualitative and quantitative, to explore how businesses and leadership contribute to sustainability transitions, often using phenomenon-driven approaches.
For more details, visit the IWÖ-HSG Website.
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