The Chair of Strategic Management, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (Professor Andreas König) and the DFG Research Training Group 2720 “Digital Platform Ecosystems” (DPE) at the University of Passau invite applications for the position of

Doctoral Researcher (Ph.D. Candidate) in the area of digital platform ecosystems to start at the earliest convenience.

This is a fully funded part-time position (75% FTE), based on a fixed-term contract with social security and healthcare contributions. Remuneration is in accordance with pay grade E13 of the German public-sector collective agreement, TV-L, and currently ranges from 44.493 € (step 1) to 50.172 € (step 3) annually; the salary step depends on your qualifications and experience. The position is intended to be awarded for three years. Continued employment from October 2028 onward is subject to renewal of project funding.

What we seek

You are a highly motivated postgraduate with an excellent master’s degree in management, strategy, organisation, entrepreneurship or a related field of study.
Excellent analytical skills, entry-level experience in quantitative and/or qualitative research methodologies, a strong taste for interdisciplinary science and, most importantly, a keen interest in pursuing social science on digital platforms and ecosystems, with a specific focus on issues of strategic leadership and executive cognition and communication as well as discontinuous and institutional change (including in the Global South).
Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team, open-mindedness, and the motivation to work on a research project independently and diligently.
Excellent spoken and written English language skills. Knowledge of German is not a requirement.

What we offer

The opportunity to pursue doctoral study at a renowned German university as part of a particularly strong research team with internationally recognised research activities at the highest scholarly level.
Membership in the interdisciplinary Research Training Group 2720 Digital Platform Ecosystems funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG).
Your own research budget for conference visits and hiring student workers to assist with research.
No formal teaching obligation but opportunities to participate in and contribute to the Chair’s teaching portfolio.
A tailored and structured doctoral programme; a fully funded research visit abroad, external course programme (summer schools, workshops); co-supervision by international scholars and much more. The research training programme is designed such that students are enabled to complete their doctoral degree within three years.
You will participate regularly in international conferences, become integrated into an international research network and contribute to public discourse on digital platforms.
Excellent infrastructure including IT equipment on one of Germany’s most beautiful university campuses.

How to apply

Please visit the application portal for details on the application process.
The application period ends on 30th of November 2026.
This position is under the primary supervision of Professor Andreas König. If you have any further questions, please write to him directly at .