Universität St. Gallen
St.Gallen
12 hours ago
Research Associate (PhD Candidate) in the Sustainability Innovation Lab (m/f/d)
- 21 March 2026
- 100%
- St.Gallen
About the job
The Sustainability Innovation Lab deals with the question of how companies can use innovations and technologies in the sense of greater sustainability. For example, we examine how companies can contribute value to Future Mobility and Smart Cities or benefit from the transition to renewable energies. The Sustainability Innovation Lab is involved in national and international projects on these and other topics. You can find detailed insights into our activities on our website or on LinkedIn .
We offer you:- Varied and challenging tasks at a renowned and practice-oriented research institute.
- In-depth insights into forward-looking topics.
- Current issues with great scientific and practical relevance.
- Independent project work with international organizations and companies.
- The opportunity to obtain a PhD in Management from the University of St. Gallen.
- Note: We do not offer a PhD in computer science, engineering, or similar fields.
If we have aroused your interest, then convince us with your complete and meaningful application documents: cover letter, CV, master’s certificate or current transcript of records, and optionally letters of recommendation.
If you have questions about the application, please feel free to contact us by e-mail:
Prof. Dr. Maximilian Palmié
Head of Sustainability Innovation Lab
maximilian.palmie@unisg.ch
Your tasks
The focus of your activity will be the management and especially the commercialization of new, (potentially) sustainable technologies. This includes topics such as business models, scaling, and legitimization.
The execution of projects with practice partners, participation in the acquisition of further projects on the above-mentioned topics, and the writing of publications are important parts of your field of work. For your PhD work, you will find excellent conditions in an internationally oriented and experienced environment.
Your profile
- Enthusiasm for new technologies and the organizational change of companies.
- Interest in dealing with questions of sustainability.
- Strong conceptual and communication skills.
- A master’s degree from a university with a grade of 5.0 or better in the Swiss system or 2.0 or better in Germany and Austria.
- Specialization in management, psychology, or a related field.
- Very good command of English and a basic understanding of German.
- Ideally, first professional experience in a leading management consultancy or a significant technology company.
"A place that creates knowledge" - As one of the leading business universities in Europe, 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 3,500 employees as one of the largest employers in the region."
