PhD Candidate in Generative and Agentic AI for Next-Gen Products and Organizations (m/w/d)

About the job

The rapid advancement of generative and agentic AI is reshaping both products (“AI-defined products and services”) and organizations (“agentic enterprise”), transforming how products are designed, built, and continuously evolved, as well as how value is created and captured. They enable new forms of autonomy and coordination, prompting firms to rethink how work is organized and how humans and intelligent systems interact.
In light of these developments, we are seeking a candidate with a strong ambition to create meaningful impact. Are you interested in understanding how generative and agentic AI reshape organizations and the coordination of work? Are you interested in exploring how these technologies redefine products and services? Are you interested in studying generative and agentic AI systems and their implications for strategy, business models, and the emergence of the agentic enterprise? We are looking for you!

• Conduct applied research on generative and agentic AI in close collaboration with industry partners, focusing on next-generation products and organizations
• Co-develop and evaluate strategies, business models, and products for generative and agentic AI
• Co-develop and evaluate generative and agentic AI systems in real-world contexts
• Derive rigorous, publishable insights from joint projects with industry partners, ensuring both academic excellence and practical relevance
• Communicate results through high-impact publications, presentations, and regular interaction with executive (C-level) stakeholders

• A unique opportunity to develop both your scientific expertise and your entrepreneurial and management capabilities
• A highly motivated, interdisciplinary team of ambitious researchers in a collaborative and inspiring environment
• Early ownership of projects with close collaboration with leading industry partners (e.g., Bosch), startups, and top-tier universities
• Regular exposure to executive stakeholders (C-level), including opportunities to present your work and drive real-world impact
• Attractive employment conditions, a flexible and modern work environment, and a proven track record of completing a PhD within approximately 3.5 years

• Strong interest in technology-driven innovation, entrepreneurship, business models, and strategy
• Academic background in business and/or technology (e.g., management, economics, information systems, computer science, or engineering)
• Experience with data analytics, machine learning, natural language processing, or generative AI
• Prior experience in applied research, startups, consulting, or venture capital is a plus
• Strong conceptual thinking and excellent communication skills, with confidence in presenting research to interdisciplinary audiences
• Master's degree with a GPA of at least 5.0 (equivalent to 2.0 or better in Germany or Austria), meeting the requirements for PhD admission at the University of St. Gallen
• Proficiency in both German and English (written and spoken)

"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.