Universität St. Gallen
St.Gallen
2 PhD Positions at the Institute of Retail Management (IRM-HSG) (m/f/d)
- 11 February 2026
- 100%
- St.Gallen
Job summary
The Institute for Retail Management (IRM-HSG) at the University of St.Gallen seeks two research assistants (80% - 100%). Join a dynamic team focused on application-oriented research in strategic retail management and consumer behavior.
Tasks
- Contribute to practical research projects with 20 partner companies.
- Assist in Executive Education programs like CAS in International Retail Management.
- Support the Retail Lab and write academic publications.
Skills
- Master's degree in Business, Economics, or related fields with high grades.
- Strong digital skills and proficiency in MS Office applications.
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
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About the job
The Institute of Retail Management (IRM-HSG) at the University of St.Gallen is seeking two research associates (m/f/d) (80% - 100%) starting immediately or by arrangement.
The Institute of Retail Management pursues an application-oriented research approach in the fields of strategic retail management, e-commerce, and consumer behaviour. In cooperation with around 20 partner companies (including Manor, Migros, Lidl Switzerland, Aldi Suisse, etc.), Prof. Rudolph and his team address research- and practice-relevant challenges. The doctoral thesis deals with disruptive and transformative questions in the areas of AI in retail, omni-channel management, customer inspiration, retail branding, and strategic retail management.
We offer an interdisciplinary PhD at the University of St.Gallen with over 30 different institutes and research centres. You will benefit from close integration with business practice through around 20 partner companies. In addition, we specifically support you in further developing knowledge and skills during your PhD to prepare you for a career in research or practice. You will receive a very good salary including social benefits such as continued salary payments and pension insurance. Additionally, we enable conference visits at home and abroad as well as, if interested, a stay abroad.
Your tasks
- Participation in practice-oriented research projects
- Participation in our Executive Education programmes (e.g. CAS in International Retail Management)
- Support of our Retail Lab with 20 partner companies
- Writing scientific publications
- Assistance with teaching at Bachelor and Master level
Your profile
- Above-average university Master’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, or a related field (e.g. Psychology or Business Mathematics) (min. 5.0 (CH) or 2.0 (DE); no FH, MBA, MAS)
- Digital affinity and good knowledge of MS Office programmes and/or interest in new IT applications
- Strong interest in retail, especially in the retail trade
- Professional and confident demeanour, high commitment, teamwork skills, and sense of responsibility
- Excellent communication skills and ability to explain complex matters precisely and understandably
- High willingness to learn and ability to quickly familiarise yourself with new topics and questions
"A place that creates knowledge" – As one of Europe’s leading business universities, the University of St.Gallen (HSG) is committed to educating over 10,000 students and offers an attractive and innovative environment in research, teaching, continuing education, and administration to around 3,800 employees as one of the largest employers in the region."
