PhD Recruiting @KMU-HSG

KMU-HSG is a research institute focused on research, teaching, and executive education. It has approximately 40 full-time staff members and a community of around 10 PhD students. Doctoral candidates work in a collaborative setting with frequent feedback, seminar-style discussion, a vibrant campus culture, and close research and practice collaborations with faculty from the subject areas that form the Global Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (GCEI-HSG). PhD students will also work on other assignments that are typical for academic life, such as serving the role of teaching assistants and supporting the team in research and publication processes.

• Carolin Kaufmann – Assistant Professor (tenure track), Tilburg University
• Mateja Andric – Assistant Professor (tenure track), University of Melbourne
• Qiong Wu – Assistant Professor (tenure track), Stockholm School of Economics
• Jeanne Roche – Assistant Professor (tenure track), emlyon business school
• Josh Wei-Jun Hsueh – Associate Professor, Jönköping International Business School
• Christine Scheef – Associate Professor, Vlerick Business School
• Melanie Richards – Associate Professor, Technical University Munich
• Nadine Kammerlander  – Professor, WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management
• Miriam Bird – Associate Professor, Technical University Munich
• Philipp Sieger – Professor, University of Bern
   

The PhD typically takes 3.5 to 4.5 years and consists of:

• Coursework phase (approx. 2 years): structured training in research methods and scholarly practice, while developing early dissertation ideas.
• Research phase: focused on building a strong publication trajectory (e.g., revise-and-resubmit submissions at leading journals).
   

Positions are fully funded with an annual salary of approximately CHF 60,000 for the duration of the PhD. Candidates are expected to relocate to St. Gallen and actively participate in the institute’s research environment. We provide administrative support for relocation to Switzerland (process guidance; non-financial). 

Supervision is arranged based on mutual research fit after onboarding; candidates typically work closely with one primary supervisor and receive committee-style support from additional faculty. Primary supervision is usually provided by members of the KMU-HSG research leadership (Heiko Bergmann, Alexander Fust, Isabella Hatak, Henrik Lekkas, Vangelis Souitaris, Thomas Zellweger). 

• Lead research projects for a cumulative dissertation (usually 3-4 papers)
• Actively participate in seminars, workshops, and internal feedback sessions
• Contribute to the institute community through limited teaching assistance and academic citizenship tasks
• Engage in collaborative projects with faculty where there is mutual fit

We look for candidates who aspire to an academic career with a focus on entrepreneurship, SMEs, or family businesses and enjoy research-driven work. Applicants typically have:

• A Master’s degree (completed by the start date) in a relevant field (e.g., management/entrepreneurship/strategy, economics, psychology/behavioural science, data science, or related disciplines)
• Strong academic performance, typically within the top 25% of their Master’s cohort (with broader consideration for highly selective programmes)
• Evidence of research potential (e.g., a Master’s thesis, RA/predoc experience, substantial empirical project work, or a strong writing sample)
• A willingness to integrate (Knowledge of German is a plus but not required. For those who don’t speak it but would like to learn, we offer free courses that teach the basics).
• GMAT/GRE scores are optional (a plus if available; please submit if you have them).

• Ideally apply by 30 April (we start our selection process on May 1 but may consider later applications if the open positions are not filled, yet)
• Selected applicants are invited to a short Zoom interview (May onward)
• Shortlisted candidates are invited to a one-day campus visit in May or June (travel covered)
• Decisions are made shortly after
• Start date: 1 September or, on mutual agreement, later in the year
   

Please email your application as a single PDF to henrik.lekkas@unisg.ch Include:

• CV
• Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts
• Statement of purpose (1–2 pages)
• One-page outline of a research project idea that might be pursued in the PhD
• If available, GMAT/GRE score report (optional)
   

• Zellweger, T., & Zenger, T. (2023). Entrepreneurs as scientists: A pragmatist approach to producing value out of uncertainty. Academy of Management Review, 48(3), 379-408.
• Hatak, I. & Zhou, H. (2021). Health as Human Capital in Entrepreneurship: Individual, Extension, and Substitution Effects on Entrepreneurial Success. Entrepreneurship Theory & Practice, 45(1): 18-42.
• Souitaris, V., Zerbinati, S., Peng, G., & Shepherd, D. (2020). Should I stay or should I go? Founder power and exit via initial public offering. Academy of Management Journal, 63(1), 64–95.
• Souitaris, V., Peng, B., Zerbinati, S., & Shepherd, D. A. (2023). Specialists, generalists, or both? Founders’ multidimensional breadth of experience and entrepreneurial ventures’ fundraising at IPO. Organization Science, 34(2), 557–588.
• Wesemann Lekkas, H., Antretter, T., Shepherd, D., Souitaris, V., & Wincent, J. (2025). Appearing authentic: How dress formality influences perceived authenticity in investment evaluations. Journal of Management.