At the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, we conduct world-class research and education focusing on the creation and transformation of technology-based businesses. Our research focuses on creating new scientific knowledge for establishing new businesses and technology-driven transformation of large and small firms, as well as of entire industries. Tying together theory-driven and problem-oriented research is our basis for educating future managers, entrepreneurs, professionals, and scientists able to meet global challenges in technology-based business. The main approaches in our research are strategy and venturing, operations and service management, and entrepreneurial leadership.
We are seeking two
skilled and highly motivated Doctoral/Postdoctoral Researchers to contribute to cutting-edge research exploring how
artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping and transforming strategy formulation and execution.
This position offers a unique opportunity for a researcher who is passionate about the intersection of AI and strategic management and eager to make a real-world impact through academic inquiry. You won’t just study how organizations change—you’ll help define how strategy itself evolves in an era dominated by data and automation.
Your role and goals
As a Doctoral/Postdoctoral Researcher, you will play a central role in the research project exploring the impact of AI on strategy. Your responsibilities will include:
- Project Management - Oversee and coordinate research activities and events, ensuring smooth execution and timely completion of project milestones.
- Data Collection - Conduct in-depth interviews and organizational observations to gather high-quality qualitative data.
- Data Analysis - Use ATLAS.ti or similar tools to code and analyze data, generating theoretical and practical insights.
- Academic Writing - Contribute to the development of scholarly articles for submission to leading peer-reviewed journals.
- Conference Presentation - Share your research at national and international conferences, engaging with experts in AI, strategy, and management.
- Teaching Support - Assist in the delivery of related courses or seminars.
Your network and team
In this role, you will work under the supervision of Assistant Professor Natalia Vuori, who also serves as the Principal Investigator of the project. Natalia is an experienced scholar in strategic management and qualitative research, and her leadership style emphasizes intellectual curiosity, autonomy, and constructive feedback. You can expect regular guidance, as well as opportunities to shape the direction of your research within the project's broader goals.
You will be part of a vibrant academic community within the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, working alongside colleagues such as Professors Markku Maula and Henri Schildt, who bring complementary expertise in strategy, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation. While your primary collaboration will be within the core project team, this broader academic environment offers valuable opportunities for informal exchange and interdisciplinary dialogue.
Your experience and ambitions- You are a curious, driven, and self-directed researcher with a strong foundation in qualitative research methods.
- You have hands-on experience conducting in-depth interviews and are comfortable engaging with professionals and organizational stakeholders to generate rich, meaningful data.
- You are proficient in qualitative data analysis tools (such as ATLAS.ti or similar) and know how to move from raw data to analytical insights with academic rigor.
- You are well-organized and disciplined, capable of managing research tasks and timelines independently and ensuring steady progress in a multi-phase project. Prior experience in coordinating or managing research projectsis highly valued.
- Most importantly, you are ambitious and intellectually bold, motivated not only to complete high-quality research but also to publish in top-tier management journals (e.g., Academy of Management Journal, Strategic Management Journal, Organization Science).
- You take initiative, seek feedback, and view this position as a launchpad for an impactful academic or research-driven career.
What we offer
This is more than just a research position—it’s an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge work that explores how AI is redefining the future of strategy. At Aalto University's Department of Industrial Engineering and Management (DIEM), you’ll be surrounded by world-leading experts in strategy and technology, including colleagues who regularly publish in top-tier journals and receive international recognition, such as awards from the Academy of Management (AOM) and Strategic Management Society (SMS). Our research doesn't stay in the ivory tower—we collaborate closely with Finnish companies, generating real impact on their strategic thinking and performance.
If you are passionate about academic excellence, eager to do meaningful research, and ready to grow within a world-class academic environment, we would be excited to hear from you.
Our vast array of professional development opportunities means you will grow and learn, having the chance to participate actively in training and development projects based on your interests and needs. The starting salary for doctoral researcher position is 3115,19 €/month, and 4100 €/month for postdoctoral researcher. We value work-life balance and well-being in all aspects of life. We work in an office-based model, with the primary workplace located at the Otaniemi Campus in Espoo. Life on the revitalized campus is vibrant, featuring stunning architecture, tranquil nature, and a variety of cafes, restaurants, and services, all complemented by excellent public transportation connections.
The starting date is September 1, 2025, or another date that is mutually agreed upon with the supervisor.
Join us!
To apply, please share your CV, publication list, and motivation letter through our recruitment site ("Apply now!”) by
23 June 2025.
Please note: Aalto University’s employees should apply for the position via our internal HR system Workday (Internal Jobs) by using their existing Workday user account (not via the external webpage for open positions). If you are a student or visitor at Aalto University, please apply with your personal email address (not aalto.fi) via
Aalto University open positions.
For more information about the roles, please contact Natalia Vuori +358 (0)50 379 1013 on 27.5.2025 at 11:00-13:00. For questions related to the application process, please contact HR Partner Saara Ahokoski firstname.lastname(at)aalto.fi.
We will go through applications, and we may invite suitable candidates to interview already during the application period. You will hear from us in the second week of August at the latest. We aim to have a transparent and equal recruitment process, so feel free to ask us for feedback.
Want to know more about us and your future colleagues? You can visit our webpages and watch these videos:
Department of Industrial Engineering and Management | Aalto University
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