Doctoral researcher Organizing in Times of Crisis

2026-01-22

As a humanistic, sustainable and action-oriented university, Leuphana University of Lüneburg stands for innovation in education and science. Methodological diversity, interdisciplinary cooperation, transdisciplinary cooperation with practice-based partners and an overall dynamic development characterize its research profile in the fields of culture, education, management & technology, public affairs, and sustainability. Its international study model with the Leuphana College, the Leuphana Graduate School and the Leuphana Professional School is unique in Germany and has won many awards.

The Professorship for Business Administration, in particular Entrepreneurship and Organisation Studies (Prof. Dr. Elke Schüßler) at the Institute for Management and Organization (IMO) of the Faculty of Management and Technology is seeking a responsible, motivated, and committed individual by April 1st, 2026 or shortly after for the role of a 

Doctoral researcher

(EG 13 TV-L, 75%, limited to the period of 36 months)

The Professorship of Business Administration, in particular Entrepreneurship and Organisation Studies, examines organizational, institutional, and societal change processes, particularly with regard to the development of sustainable forms of value creation. The current focus is on the development of new organizational forms that, in the context of interacting crisis phenomena ("polycrisis"), enable flexibility, stability, cooperation, and the capacity to act ("Organizing in Times of Crisis"). Theoretically, the research focuses on processes and practices of organizing in connection to wider institutional developments. These are primarily investigated using qualitative research methods.

Your tasks:

  • Your own scientififc qualification - Write a doctoral dissertation, typically made up of a series of research articles (“cumulative dissertation”) in the field of organizing, strategizing, entrepreneuring and innovating in times of crisis
  • Give research-based presentations at scientific conferences and workshops
  • Contribute to the development of the topic area “Organizing in Times of Crisis” by drafting follow-up funding applications
  • Teach classed in the field of entrepreneurship and organization (3 SWS)

Your profile

  • An above average master’s degree in Management or Business Administration, ideally with a focus on organization theory, as well as a bachelor’s degree, both according to the Bologna process (master: two years, 120 ECTS; bachelor: three years, 180 ECTS) or an equivalent qualification
  • Initial skills in empirical social research, typically acquired in prior bachelor’s and master’s studies
  • Experience/interest in and enjoyment of empirical and theoretical work as well as scientific writing, the ability and willingness to develop and elaborate one’s own research project independently, willingness to discuss preliminary findings at national and international discipline-specific conferences and workshops, and the capacity for teamwork and self-understanding as being part of a mutually supportive research community
  • Strong interest in the topic of "Organizing in Times of Crisis"
  • Enjoyment of writing academic texts and research proposals
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in German and English
  • Strong personal initiative, excellent organizational skills, and ability to work in interdisciplinary and multicultural teams
  • Willingness to participate in teaching in the field of Entrepreneurship and Organisation Studies

Our offfer:

  • An inspiring cutting-edge collaborative research environment with multiple established and early-career scholars and scientists working together in an attractive modern university building designed by Daniel Libeskind
  • Inclusion in the research-active Leuphana Center for Organization and Social Transformation (LOST)
  • Green and inviting campus at the edge of the picturesque Hanseatic town of Lüneburg, close to the Northern German metropolis Hamburg
  • Flexible and family-friendly working hours within a time frame between 6 am and 9 pm, including opportunities for remote working
  • A wide range of additional (subsidized) benefits such as continuing education, sporting activities, catering service for lunch and dinner, and a public transport ticket valid in the whole of Germany
  • An additional company pension scheme through the Versorgungsanstalt des Bundes und der Länder (VBL)

Ihre Bewerbung:

For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Elke Schüßler (elke.schuessler@leuphana.de). 

Leuphana University of Lüneburg promotes professional gender equality and heterogeneity among its members. Applications from people with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration if they have the same qualifications. 

Please submit all required documents (a cover letter (including evidence on the above-mentioned desired personal attributes with around 100 words each), their CV; up to three writing samples (e.g. academic publications, term paper, Master thesis, etc.); a short exposé of ideas for the proposed research (around 500 words); relevant certificates and transcripts (incl. Abitur / high school); and the names of up to two academic referees, without photo) via our application portalby 19.02.2026. We look forward to receiving your application!