Stellen

PhD Position in Quantitative Marketing and AI (m/f/d)

            100 %

            (limited, by

                01.11.2026

            until
            31.10.2030)

Your tasks

As a PhD student, you will:
Conduct independent, methodologically rigorous research at the intersection of marketing, technology and quantitative modeling
Develop and apply econometric, structural, and machine-learning-based models to marketing questions
Analyze large-scale field, market, or platform data to identify causal effects of marketing actions (e.g., pricing, advertising, AI-driven personalization, ...)
Design and analyze field experiments and quasi-experimental studies in collaboration with industry partners
Partner with leading Swiss and international companies on applied, data-intensive research projects

Your profile

An above-average degree in economics, statistics, data science, quantitative marketing, computer science, or related fields
Strong interest in quantitative and methodological questions in marketing and technology/AI
Strong programming skills in R or Python; experience with large-scale or field data is a plus
A high level of personal initiative and goal orientation
Excellent command of written and spoken English; knowledge of German is beneficial
Exceptional analytical and conceptual abilities

            This is a full-time research associate position (100%), salaried in accordance with the university's guidelines.

The chair of Prof. Dr. Reto Hofstetter offers a young, highly motivated environment with excellent infrastructure. You will have the freedom to pursue your own research agenda, the time to do it properly, and financial support for your projects, from data collection and participant incentives to conference travel. We encourage you to publish in top-tier journals (e.g., JCR, JMR) and support your development through continued training at international institutions (e.g., GSERM, University of Michigan, ESADE). Our projects run in cooperation with top international universities (e.g., Columbia or Stanford) and leading companies. Regular conference participation helps you build your own international network early on.
The University of St.Gallen is among the leading business schools in Europe, with a large and active doctoral community.

We are looking forward to your online-application stating the job ID 2814

Inspirational Work Environment

At the HSG, as Europe's leading business university, we operate in an entrepreneurial environment where you will meet highly qualified, ambitious experts - both regionally and internationally. For example, you benefit from a modern IT infrastructure and, in our library via HSGswisscovery, from nationwide access to the wealth of scientific information available.

Executive Education

We support internal and external executive education opportunities. Our internal executive education programme offers you a practical, dedicated and didactically mature transfer of knowledge in the form of seminars, e-learning, coaching and collegial advice. We support task-specific external training and executive education financially as well as with regard to the time required.

Network

We promote our culture of cross-functional collaboration and create space for forging valuable relationships - also with external partners. Regular exchanges and internal events help to strengthen these relationships and make them long-lasting.

Family & Career

We provide our employees with flexible work time models with a variable number of hours per week. As a family-friendly employer, we offer part-time positions, 16 weeks of maternity leave and a subsidised crèche, as well as support with childcare during the vacations.

Equal Opportunities

The University enables equal opportunities for all employees and students. This applies to degree courses and work, as well as academic careers, university management positions and the reconciliation of studies, work and private commitments. We are committed to this with various measures in the areas of teaching, research, administration and the Presidency.

Fit and Healthy

We help you stay fit and healthy. In addition to our diverse range of sports activities at the university, most of which are free of charge, and campaign weeks for corporate health management, we also offer you fruit in the workplace. In our canteen you will find a wide selection of freshly prepared meals - from vegetarian to fish dishes - at discounted prices.

Academic Director EMBA

The perfect match happens when expectations and culture align. Let's find out together if this is the right path for both of us.
Nikolas Köpfer
Research Associate & Doctoral Candidate

I would be very pleased to welcome you to the University of St.Gallen soon. I am always happy to answer any questions you may have.