The PhD project is part of a network of 15 doctoral theses that all contribute to the overall goal of understanding social entrepreneurship (SE) scaling. This particular PhD thesis is part of the work package on “Impact Investing for Social Entrepreneurship Scaling”. The position is focused on quantitatively assessing the impact of hybrid financing strategies, Schumpeterian 'creative destruction' logics, and impact fidelity on the scaling of social enterprises. This research will involve a systematic literature review of empirical papers on SE scaling and impact investing, followed by developing measures to quantitatively test these factors through a cross-sectional survey of impact investors. More specifically, the PhD candidate will explore the connection between business model aspects and impact investment decisions by looking into investors’ perceived success factors for social entrepreneurship. You will use structural equation modeling (SEM) and other quantitative research methods to probe the connections between these factors, offering new insights into how they shape the trajectory of SE scaling. The research predominantly attempts to contribute to the Social and Sustainable Entrepreneurship literature.

As required by the MSCA doctoral network funding guidelines, the PhD candidate will have both an academic secondment at one of the seizmic doctoral network members and a non-academic secondment providing a blend of academic and practical perspectives.

The PhD candidate will be guided by a multidisciplinary supervisory team with rich experience in strategic and sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation management. Dr. Svenja Damberg will be the daily supervisor, while Dr. Michel Ehrenhard will fulfill the role of promotor.

The successful applicant will join the Entrepreneurship and Technology Management (ETM) section of the High-tech Business & Entrepreneurship (HBE) department at the Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences.

We are looking for a positive, highly dedicated researcher who is driven by curiosity and has/is:

• A Master's degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Innovation Management, Marketing, Industrial Engineering & Management, Sociology, or related fields;
• Close rapport with quantitative research and a proven set of skills;
• Highly motivated to conduct high-quality, ‘engaged’ and impact-driven academic research resulting in scientific publications, which is reflected in study results, personal skills, and experience;
• Able to carry out independent research and collaborate with a wide set of actors from academia and practice;
• Outstanding team spirit and seeks to work in an interdisciplinary team;
• Excellent oral and written language skills in English and preferably Dutch.

We encourage high responsibility and independence while collaborating with colleagues, researchers, other university staff, and partners. We follow the terms of employment by the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Universities (CAO). Our offer contains: a full-time 4-year PhD position with a qualifier in the first year; excellent mentorship in a stimulating research environment with excellent facilities; and a personal development program within the Twente Graduate School. It also includes:

• Gross monthly salary of € 2.872 in the first year, increasing each year up to € 3.670 in the fourth year;
• Excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme;
• 29 holidays per year in case of full-time employment;
• A training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision;
• A green campus with free access to sports facilities and an international scientific community;
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid);
• Full status as an employee at the UT, including pension, health care benefits, and good secondary conditions are part of our collective labour agreement CAO-NU for Dutch universities.

The HBE department is dedicated to encouraging a supportive and inclusive working culture. Our aim is that all job applicants are given equal opportunities. When we select candidates for employment, it will be on the basis of their competence and ability. To support workforce diversity, we are open to offering flexible working conditions on an individual basis to support work-life balance, which may include contract of employment, working hours and location, or childcare arrangements.

The High Business Entrepreneurship corporate video can be watched via this link.