The Organization and Management Theory (OMT) research group at the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM), Erasmus University Rotterdam, is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join its vibrant and diverse academic community. The group’s research program is dedicated to understanding organizations in society, focusing on how organizations address key societal challenges such as climate change, inequality, technological transformation, and geopolitical conflict. The program adopts a sociologically informed macro perspective, analyzing organizations, organizational fields, and societal-level phenomena through a variety of theoretical lenses and research methods.
This is an open PhD position, meaning the successful candidate will have the freedom to define and pursue their own research agenda within the broad scope of OMT, provided it aligns with the expertise of available faculty supervisors. The group’s current research themes include alternative forms of organizing (e.g., social enterprises, hybrid organizations), organizational responses to societal challenges (e.g., sustainability, digital transformation), organizational scandals and misconduct, the impact of technology and AI on work and organizing, professional identities and boundaries, the revival of craft and meaningful work, stigmatized and contested organizations, the role of time and history in organizing, and processes of organizational change and persistence. Methodologically, the group is interdisciplinary, with strengths in qualitative methods such as ethnography, case studies, and historical analysis, as well as quantitative and mixed-methods approaches. Candidates are encouraged to develop as all-round researchers, supported by RSM’s resources and networks.
The PhD program is fully funded for four years (with possible extension to five years), and includes a competitive salary and full employment benefits under the Dutch university system. The first year focuses on orientation, coursework, and the development of a research proposal, followed by several years of independent research, advanced coursework, and opportunities to present at international conferences and undertake research visits abroad. PhD candidates also gain teaching experience, contributing up to 20% of their time to undergraduate and master’s programs. The expected outcome is a dissertation comprising three empirical chapters of publishable quality, with the aim of producing research suitable for top-tier academic journals.
Applicants should hold or be near completion of a Master’s degree in management or a related social science field, preferably with a focus on sociology, organizations, institutions, or management. Research experience, strong analytical and communication skills, and a collaborative, open-minded attitude are essential. The program values diversity and inclusivity, and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. For more information on faculty expertise and current PhD projects, candidates are encouraged to consult the RSM website and faculty profiles. Application details and required documents are available via the Erasmus University Rotterdam vacancies portal. For questions, contact Dr. Jochem Kroezen at the provided email address.
