PhD Research Associate in Entrepreneurship & Innovation in Technical University of Braunschweig – Germany

Summary

The Technical University of Braunschweig in Germany is seeking a PhD Research Associate in Entrepreneurship & Innovation. This is a full-time position (100% E-13 TV-L) initially limited to 3 years, with the possibility of pursuing a PhD. The role involves working on practical and socially relevant challenges in entrepreneurship, particularly focusing on digital innovation, innovation ecosystems, and strategies for young companies. Responsibilities include teaching, research, publication projects, and participation in practice-oriented research transfer projects. Applicants should hold an above-average Master's degree in a relevant field, possess strong quantitative research skills, and have good communication skills in German and English. The university offers a competitive salary, annual bonus, company pension, 30 days of annual leave, and support for doctoral research. The application deadline is October 5, 2026.

Key Facts

Position Type	Research Associate with PhD opportunity
Discipline	Economics
Research Area	Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Digital Innovation, Innovation Ecosystems, Strategy for Young Companies, Stakeholder Management, Communication Strategies for Founders, Scaling Strategies for Start-ups in Highly Regulated Markets, Digital Platform Strategies for Young Companies, Role of Artificial Intelligence in Startup Processes
Degree Required	Above-average Master's degree in economics, industrial engineering, technology-oriented management, business informatics, or a comparable course of study from a university.
Experience	International experience welcome.
Salary	E-13 TV-L, annual bonus, company pension scheme
Funding	E-13 TV-L
Contract Duration	Initially limited to 3 years
Language	German, English
Deadline	2026-10-05
Required Documents	Relevant documents
Employer Address	Mühlenpfordtstraße 23, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany

About the Project

The research project focuses on practical and socially relevant challenges within entrepreneurship, with a particular emphasis on digital innovation, innovation ecosystems, and strategies for young companies. Specific topics include stakeholder management and communication strategies for founders, scaling strategies for start-ups in highly regulated markets, digital platform strategies for young companies, and the role of artificial intelligence in startup processes. The research associate's doctoral research project will be closely integrated with these practice-oriented research and transfer projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Participation in teaching
• Collaboration in joint research and publication projects
• Participation in practice-oriented research and transfer projects, including their conception and application

Required Skills

• Above-average Master's degree in economics, industrial engineering, technology-oriented management, business informatics, or comparable course of study
• Solid foundation in quantitative research methods
• Enjoyment working with data and statistical analyses
• Good knowledge of statistical application software such as Stata or R
• Knowledge of Python (advantageous)
• Knowledge of qualitative research methods (advantageous)
• Excellent communication skills in German and English
• Scientific curiosity
• Teamwork skills
• Structured, reliable, and independent way of working

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for individuals holding an above-average Master's degree in economics, industrial engineering, technology-oriented management, business informatics, or a comparable field. Ideal candidates will have a solid foundation in quantitative research methods, experience with statistical software like Stata or R, and excellent communication skills in both German and English. Scientific curiosity, teamwork ability, and an independent work style are also desired. International experience is welcome.

Benefits

• Remuneration according to TV-L
• Annual bonus
• Company pension scheme
• 30 days annual leave
• Special training opportunities for young scientists
• Postdoc program
• Central personnel development
• Sports activities
• Family-friendliness
• Equal opportunities
• Vibrant campus life
• International atmosphere
• Numerous intercultural opportunities
• International collaborations
• Regular individual support meetings for doctoral research
• Colloquia for doctoral research
• Support for development, implementation, and publication of own research projects
• Joint preparation for international conferences
• Integration into national and international research networks

About the Employer

The Technical University of Braunschweig is one of Germany's leading technical universities, with over 15,000 students and approximately 3,800 employees. It is characterized by strategic, performance-oriented thinking and action, relevant research, dedicated teaching, and successful knowledge and technology transfer to business and society. The university is committed to family-friendliness and equal opportunities. Its research focuses on mobility, engineering for health, metrology, and the city of the future, with strong engineering and natural sciences core disciplines closely interlinked with economics, social sciences, education, and humanities. The campus is located in the heart of one of Europe's most research-intensive regions, collaborating with over 20 research institutions and international partner universities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the contract?

The contract is initially limited to 3 years.

What degree is required for this position?

An above-average Master's degree in economics, industrial engineering, technology-oriented management, business informatics, or a comparable course of study from a university is required.

What are the main research areas?

The main research areas include entrepreneurship, digital innovation, innovation ecosystems, strategy for young companies, stakeholder management, scaling strategies for start-ups, digital platform strategies, and the role of artificial intelligence in startup processes.

What benefits are offered with this position?

The position offers remuneration according to TV-L, an annual bonus, a company pension scheme, 30 days of annual leave, special training opportunities for young scientists, a postdoc program, and support for doctoral research.

How can I apply for this position?

Applications with relevant documents in PDF format should preferably be sent by email to [email protected] or by post to Ms Lisa Weimer at Mühlenpfordtstraße 23, 38106 Braunschweig.