Project Manager and Research Associate 80 %

Project Manager and Research Associate 80 %

Are you motivated to shape the conversation on Corporate Purpose, Strategy, and Performance? Do you want to contribute to Switzerland's first national research project on these topics-funded by Innosuisse, and leading Swiss-based corporations? We are hiring! Become part of a dynamic research and innovation hub that bridges strategic management, purpose-driven transformation, and international business.

School: School of Management and Law

Starting date: 1. May 2026 or according mutual agreement, on a fixed-term basis for two years

• Conducting high-quality research in the fields of corporate purpose, strategic management, organizational practices, and crisis readiness and resilience.
• Manage, coordinate, and participate in a growing pipeline of collaborative research projects with leading universities, multinational companies and other stakeholders.
• Acquire and execute third-party funded projects (e.g., Innosuisse, SNSF, international funding schemes, corporate funding).
• Publish in leading academic journals and practitioner outlets and represent our university at conferences and industry forums.
• Teach in the ZHAW School of Management and Law's academic and executive programs and co-develop innovative offerings and formats that reinforce the institute's reputation in strategic management and international business.

The position will offer you the opportunity to strengthen and develop your academic profile, to establish international partnerships with industrial partners, acquire funding for collaborative research, and to devise and transfer research solutions into enterprise contexts.

You

• are completing or have completed your PhD in the field of corporate purpose studies, strategic management, business administration, or in a closely related field.
• have active research experience and have published in high-level academic and practice-oriented journals. A publication pipeline is a plus.
• have methodological strengths, among others in qualitative research, complemented by an interest in evidence-based management and action research approaches to create relevance and impact.
• have experience in strategic and management consulting and/or complex project management with multiple stakeholders.
• are motivated to conduct research and teaching in a future-oriented scientific field targeting diverse audiences (from academic to executive)
• have an entrepreneurial and hands-on mindset, the ability to take ownership in shaping both research and organizational impact, and the motivation to collaborate and contribute in meaningful ways.
• have excellent communication skills in German and English (other languages are a plus).

Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW is one of Switzerland's largest multidisciplinary universities of applied sciences, with over 14'000 students and 3'400 faculty and staff.

ZHAW is committed to gender-mixed and diverse teams in order to promote equality, diversity and innovation.

The ZHAW School of Management and Law (SML) is one of the largest business schools in Switzerland with around 9,500 students. It is the only university of applied sciences in the country that is included in renowned rankings published by the business newspaper “Financial Times" and is accredited by AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA – labels for high quality standards in teaching, research and further education. The internationally recognized bachelor's and master's degree programs, cooperative PhD programs and the numerous continuing education offerings are scientifically sound, interdisciplinary and practice oriented. The SML maintains numerous collaborations with over 190 selected partner universities worldwide.

The International Management Institute is part of the Department of International Business. We focus on the effects of globalization and the challenges of international business activities.

The newly established “Global Business Lab" and specifically the team Purpose, Resilience and International Strategic Management as part of the International Management Institute engages actively the research and business communities to provide cutting edge research studies and impactful teaching in the field of purpose-driven strategic management, crisis readiness, and international business.

Wir bieten hochschulgerechte Arbeits- und Anstellungsbedingungen an und fördern aktiv die Personalentwicklung unserer Mitarbeitenden und Führungspersonen. Eine detaillierte Beschreibung der Vorteile ist auf der Webseite «Arbeiten an der ZHAW» zu finden. Hier die wichtigsten Eckpunkte:

Dr. Albena Björck

Head of Global Business Lab

Irina Keiser

Recruiting Manager