PhD Position: The Impact of AI on Business Operations in Knowledge-Intensive Technology Firms

Join a fully funded PhD position at the cutting edge of one of the most transformative shifts in modern business and help shape our understanding of AI!

Job description

This PhD project investigates how the adoption and integration of artificial intelligence transforms core business functions such as strategy, financial management, human resource management, and innovation management, within knowledge-intensive and technology-driven firms.

As AI technologies become increasingly embedded in organizational processes, fundamental questions arise about how firms adapt their strategic decision-making, optimize resource allocation, access and secure funding, and reshape workforce management and organizational design. This research will examine both the opportunities and challenges that AI presents for firms operating in dynamic, knowledge-intensive environments.

The candidate will develop a theoretically grounded and empirically informed understanding of AI-driven organizational change, drawing on relevant literature from strategic management, financial management, organizational behavior and innovation studies. Possible research approaches include case studies, survey methods, quantitative analysis of firm-level data, and experimental designs.

Job requirements

• A MSc or MPhil degree in a relevant discipline, such as Business Administration, Management Studies, Organizational Behavior, Innovation Science, Economics, or a related field.
• A strong academic performance (in relevant courses) and demonstrated potential for conducting high-quality research.
• Affinity with quantitative research methods, including statistical analysis and working with large datasets.
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to work independently, take initiative, and contribute to a collaborative research environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Technology, Policy & Management

The Faculty of TPM provides an important contribution to solving complex technical-social issues, such as energy transition, mobility, digitalisation, water management and (cyber) security. TPM does this with its excellent education and research at the intersection of technology, society and policy. We combine insights from both engineering and social sciences as well as the humanities. TPM develops robust models and designs, is internationally oriented and has an extensive network of knowledge institutions, companies, social organisations and governments.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact: Aleksandrina Ralcheva; a.a.ralcheva@tudelft.nl. Nikos Pachos-Fokialis; n.pachos-fokialis@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 15 June 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV.
• Motivational letter.
• Master thesis (draft) or other relevant research project.
• Academic transcripts.

You can address your application to Aleksandrina Ralcheva and Nikos Pachos-Fokialis. There will be two rounds of interviews. Please reserve June 19 and June 26.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.