PhD Student Resource Transformation Component (f/m/d)

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Work environment

The automotive industry is undergoing profound changes – from the electrification of product portfolios and the digitization of all areas of work to new forms of (collaborative) work. Communication plays a central role in this context: it shapes transformation processes, provides orientation, and enables participation.As a doctoral researcher, you conduct independent research to advance knowledge in your field. Your role involves examining how communication shapes transformation processes within automotive organizations. You develop your own research questions, analyze communication strategies, narratives, and participation formats, and contribute to creating new scientific and practical perspectives on communication in times of change.You build expertise through self-directed study and collaboration with academic supervisors as well as industry experts. You publish your findings, present at conferences, and contribute to the academic community. The position combines theoretical knowledge with practical problem‑solving and fosters innovation and analytical thinking.

Possible Tasks within this Role

• Developing communication strategies and concepts along the transformation path (formats, media, channels)
• Contributing to editorial work and content production (formats, media, channels)
• Creating, implementing, and maintaining internal communication channels
• Editorial creation and integration of texts, photos, and videos
• Planning and supporting the execution of events and workshops

The final doctoral topic is defined together with the professor. The prerequisite for the cooperation is the confirmation of supervision as well as a confirmed delimitation of topics by the professor of a university or research institution entitled to confer a doctorate.

Qualification requirements

• Successfully completed university degree (good to very good) qualifying for a doctorate in the field of media and communication studies, journalism, economics or a comparable field of study
• Affinity for using digital and social media
• High degree of independence and initiative
• Ability to work in a team and strong interpersonal skills
• Practical experience in communication, PR, or journalism is desirable

Keywords

Transformation communication, organizational change, strategic communication, participation and stakeholder communication, narratives of change, digitalization, interdisciplinary transformation research

What we offer

• Attractive salary & 30 vacation days (+ 24.12. and 31.12. off)
• Special conditions for the purchase and leasing of vehicles
• Free seminars on scientific work and interdisciplinary qualifications
• Participation in the doctoral network for scientific exchange with science representatives and other doctoral candidates within the Volkswagen Group

Contact person for this posting: Michele Knyhas

Job ID: 23526

Location: Hannover, DE, 30419

Department: Logistics and Fleet Management

Working Model: Full-time

Contract Type: Fixed-term

Remote Working: Up to 40%

Posting Date: Aug 3, 2026

Volkswagen - that's why

We want to revolutionize and shape the mobility of tomorrow sustainably. For this purpose, we are looking for talents who are willing to break completely new ground with us and are not afraid to make mistakes. We are looking for personalities who want to achieve something extraordinary. And talents who believe in the innovative power of big ideas. Are you in?