PhD Position: Impact of AI Business Operations in -Intensive Technology Firms

PhD Position:
The Impact of AI on Business Operations in Knowledge-Intensive Technology Firms

Join a fully funded PhD position at the cutting edge of one of the most transformative shifts in modern business and help shape our understanding of AI!

This PhD project investigates how the adoption and integration of artificial intelligence transforms core business functions such as strategy, financial management, human resource management, and innovation management, within knowledge-intensive and technology-driven firms.

As AI technologies become increasingly embedded in organizational processes, fundamental questions arise about how firms adapt their strategic decision-making, optimize resource allocation, access and secure funding, and reshape workforce management and organizational design. This research will examine both the opportunities and challenges that AI presents for firms operating in dynamic, knowledge-intensive environments.

The candidate will develop a theoretically grounded and empirically informed understanding of AI-driven organizational change, drawing on relevant literature from strategic management, financial management, organizational behavior and innovation studies. Possible research approaches include case studies, survey methods, quantitative analysis of firm-level data, and experimental designs.

Job requirements

• A MSc or MPhil degree in a relevant discipline, such as Business Administration, Management Studies, Organizational Behavior, Innovation Science, Economics, or a related field.
• A strong academic performance (in relevant courses) and demonstrated potential for conducting high-quality research.
• Affinity with quantitative research methods, including statistical analysis and working with large datasets.
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to work independently, take initiative, and contribute to a collaborative research environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. The TU Delft offers a customizable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution.

Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft.

A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 15 June 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV.
• Motivational letter.
• Master thesis (draft) or other relevant research project.
• Academic transcripts.

You can address your application to Aleksandrina Ralcheva and Nikos Pachos-Fokialis. There will be two rounds of interviews. Please reserve June 19 and June 26.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well,…