Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter/Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin am Lehrstuhl für Betriebswirtschaftslehre mit Schwerpunkt Strategisches Management, Innovation und Entrepreneurship und DFG Graduiertenkolleg 2720: "Digital Platform Ecosystems (DPE)" - Passau

The University of Passau owes its strong visibility and good repute to excellent research, innovative teaching and its tight-knit international academic networks. Some 11,000 students and more than 1,300 staff study and work on our university campus, which is located a stone's throw from the historical Old Town of Passau and combines state-of-the-art technical infrastructure with award-winning architecture. Internationally successful high-tech companies and a vibrant start-up scene, coupled with a rich culture and Lower Bavarian traditions, give Passau and the surrounding area a special appeal that makes it a great place to live and work.

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 EUR (step 1) to 50.172 EUR (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 (see )
Membership in the interdisciplinary Research Training Group 2720 Digital Platform Ecosystems (see for details and activities) 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 for details on the application process.
You can apply at any time , as we will be accepting applications until the position is filled.
We will start reviewing received applications on 31st of May 2026 .
This position is under the primary supervision of Professor Andreas König ( ). If you have any further questions, please write to him directly at .

The University of Passau wishes to increase the proportion of its female staff and expressly encourages women to apply for this position.
The position is suitable for candidates with disabilities. Those who are registered disabled are given preference over non-disabled applicants who do not otherwise have statutory preferential status if their overall personal aptitudes, skills and qualifications are equal.
Emailed applications are kept on file for six months after the conclusion of the appointment procedure, whereupon they are deleted from our systems. Please visit for our data privacy policy.

DFG Research Training Group 2720 «Digital Platform Ecosystems» · University of Passau · Dr.-Hans-
Kapfinger-Str. 16 · 94032 Passau, Germany