PhD Position in Innovation Management at Rotterdam School of Management Erasmus University Rotterdam in Netherlands

The Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) at Erasmus University Rotterdam invites applications for a fully-funded PhD position in Innovation Management. The Innovation Management group at RSM is an internationally recognized team whose research spans creativity, idea management, leadership in innovation, diversity and inclusion, AI, standardization, collaborative innovation, and innovation strategies. The group collaborates with leading organizations in sectors such as horticulture and the creative industries, and employs both quantitative and qualitative empirical research methods. As a PhD candidate, you will have the opportunity to design your own research project within the broad themes of the department, including collaborative innovation, idea management and innovation contests, innovation and diversity, leadership in innovation, micro-foundations of innovation networks, generative AI and the changing nature of work, social evaluations and AI co-creation, innovation strategy, and ecosystem & standardization strategy.

Supervisors may vary depending on your chosen research focus, and the group is composed of ambitious international faculty with strong publication records in top management and psychology journals. The PhD program is open to candidates with backgrounds in business, management, sociology, economics, psychology, engineering, or related fields. Applicants should demonstrate strong analytical and verbal skills, and an interest in quantitative, qualitative, or experimental research.

Experience with qualitative, statistical, experimental, or computational methods is preferred, and candidates eager to learn new methodological tools are encouraged to apply. The group values diversity and inclusivity, and applications from candidates who can strengthen the diversity of the community are especially welcome. The position is fully funded and salaried, with a monthly salary ranging from €3,059 to €3,881, and includes full employee benefits under the Dutch university system. The expected output of the PhD project is publication in top-tier management journals.

The group maintains strong connections with international scholars and industry partners, and PhD students have opportunities for research visits at leading universities worldwide. The research conducted by the group is highly relevant for both business practice and academic advancement, aiming to provide valuable guidelines for executives and contribute to the academic literature on innovation and creativity. The application deadline is January 15, 2026.

For more information and to apply, visit the Erasmus University Rotterdam vacancies portal.