PhD Candidate / Research Associate in Data & AI Governance

About the role

This PhD position bridges data governance, digital value creation, and empirical research. You will join a research group that studies how organizations can evaluate the value of data governance and the risks of neglecting it, in close collaboration with industry partners.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct research on measuring and communicating the value of data governance for organizations.
• Perform qualitative and quantitative empirical studies, including expert interviews, case studies, and Design Science Research.
• Develop and evaluate artefacts such as frameworks, assessment tools, or maturity models together with practice partners.
• Publish findings at leading IS conferences and contribute to top‑tier journal articles.
• Write a PhD thesis within one of the project’s research streams.
• Support teaching activities and executive education programs.

Required profile

• Master’s degree (minimum grade 5.0 / 2.0) in Information Systems, Business Informatics, Business Administration, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Knowledge of qualitative (case study, expert interviews, Design Science Research) and quantitative research methods.
• Strong interest in data governance and data strategy in organizational contexts.
• Willingness to engage with practice partners across organizations.
• Analytical and conceptual capabilities with an independent, proactive work style.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in German and English.
• Initial experience in scientific writing or research projects is a plus.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to work at the frontier of Information Systems research, close to practice.
• High degree of freedom to shape your own research direction.
• Collaboration with leading academic and industry partners.
• Potential career pathways in academia and industry after completion.