Research Fellow - Digital Business Transformation Center

The Research Fellow will be involved in multiple concurrent research projects. A large part of the role will involve collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data and writing up the results in the form of top tier academic articles.

Key activities & accountabilities

• Collect, analyze and draw insights from qualitative and quantitative data in a structured manner
• Produce top tier (FT50) academic articles, in addition to reports, papers, and other forms of output
• Present research to media and groups of executives
• Work collaboratively with researchers within the DBT Center and other IMD faculty on research topics linked to digital transformation, artificial intelligence, digital responsibility, and related topics
• Some international travel may be required

Ideal profile

• PhD degree in Management or another related discipline 
• Demonstrated ability to publish in top tier (FT50) academic journals
• Knowledge of innovative research methods and related software
• Knowledge of empirical research methods, like interview and survey design
• Knowledge of statistics packages like ATLAS.ti, NVivo or equivalent (for qualitative research) and SPSS or equivalent (for quantitative research)
• Keen interest in digital business and advanced technologies, artificial intelligence and digital responsibility
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Very strong organizational skills – multiple projects will be running concurrently
• Ability to work independently and proactively under pressure and with minimum supervision
• Deadline oriented
• Flexible, there will be heavy workload during peak periods
• Full fluency in English (written and spoken) at a native level (other languages a plus)
• We are open to early-career, mid-career, or late-career candidates

Contract type:

• 3 years fixed term contract (with a possibility of extension)
• This is a full time position based in Lausanne 

The Institute for Management Development (IMD) is an independent academic institution with Swiss roots and global reach, founded more than 75 years ago by business leaders for business leaders. Since its creation, IMD has been a pioneering force in developing leaders who transform organizations and contribute to society.

Based in Lausanne (Switzerland) and Singapore, IMD has been ranked in the Top 3 of the annual FT’s Executive Education Global Ranking for the last nine consecutive years and in the top five for 17 consecutive years. Our MBA and EMBA programs have repeatedly been singled out among the best in Europe and the world. 

We believe that this consistency at the forefront of our industry is grounded in IMD’s unique approach to creating “Real Learning. Real Impact”. Led by an expert and diverse faculty, we strive to be the trusted learning partner of choice for ambitious individuals and organizations worldwide. Our purpose is “Challenging what is and inspiring what could be, we develop leaders who transform organizations and contribute to society.”

The Global Center for Digital Business Transformation (“DBT Center”) is a global research hub at the forefront of digital business transformation, where executives engage to solve challenges created by massive market transitions. The DBT Center seeks out diverse viewpoints from a wide range of organizations — incumbents, and disruptors — to bring new ideas, best practices, and disruptive thinking to corporations. It seeks to help managers and executives understand the dynamics of digital disruption and respond effectively to them through digital transformation.