We seek a motivated and curious PhD candidate to join the High-tech Business & Entrepreneurship Department (HBE) section at the Faculty of Behavioural Management and Social Sciences (BMS) for our project: ELSA4TI (Ethical, Legal, Social, and economic Aspects for Technical Industry).
Key takeaways
- Join the University of Twente to research the economic impact and responsible implementation of AI in high-tech industries;
- Work in close collaboration with the University of Groningen, Tilburg University, and industry partners to shape the future of AI in Dutch manufacturing;
- Conduct case studies, surveys, scenario analyses, and foresight research to develop decision-support tools for AI adoption;
- A 4-year fully funded position, plus benefits, training, and career development opportunities;
Supervised by experienced scholars, embedded in the HBE section, with access to an international research community.
THE CHALLENGE
Are you passionate about the economic impact of AI? Do you aspire to contribute to responsible and strategic AI implementation in high-tech industries?
This PhD project is part of the ELSA4TI project, a joint research effort with the University of Groningen, Tilburg University, and industry partners. The aim is to evaluate all ELSA elements in technical industry and advise firms on responsible, strategic AI use.
Using literature reviews, case studies, survey research, and scenario analyses, you will help build actionable insights and decision-support tools for responsible AI adoption. You will work closely with academic experts and industrial collaborators, contributing directly to both theory and practice.
Your research will deliver frameworks that help organizations in the technical industry evaluate the economic balance of AI adoption, weighing investment and operating costs against measurable returns such as reduced labor input, improved product quality, longer machine uptime, shorter lead times, and more resilient supply chains. In doing so, you will provide firms with evidence-based blueprints for sustainable AI implementation, supporting both short-term efficiency gains and long-term strategic investment planning.
The project will be supervised by Dr. Vincent Delke and Dr. Rainer Harms, scholars at the intersection of technology, economics, and innovation management. As a PhD candidate, you will join a supportive, international research community within the HBE section of BMS.
Information and application
Are you interested in joining our team? Please submit your application by the 30th of September, 2025, and include:
- A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, and motivations to apply for this position;
- A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications and references;
- An IELTS-test, Internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT), or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE). Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS-test showing a total band score of at least 6.5, internet. TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE);
- Contact information for two academic referees.
First interviews will take place on the 10th of October, 2025.
Additional information can be acquired via email from, please contact:
- Dr. Vincent Delke – v.f.delke@utwente.nl or
- Dr. Rainer Harms – r.harms@utwente.nl
About the department
The HBE department aims to build an encouraging work environment. We provide equal opportunities to all job applicants. Our selection process is based solely on competence and ability. We also offer flexible working conditions on an individual basis to promote work-life balance, which may include employment contracts, working hours, location, or childcare arrangements.
The High Business Entrepreneurship corporate video can be watched via this link.
About the organisation
At the Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences (BMS), we unite the worlds of people and technology to address today’s complex societal challenges. We are passionate about understanding human behaviour, fostering responsible innovation, and designing solutions that create societal value. Our educational programmes span disciplines such as Psychology, Business Administration, Public Administration, Communication Sciences, Philosophy, Educational Sciences, and Health Sciences. Through our bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Professional Learning & Development programmes, and interdisciplinary research themes – including Emerging Technologies & Societal Transformations, Resilience, Smart Industry, Learning, and Health – we empower students and researchers to make a positive societal impact.
At BMS, we combine critical thinking with practical action. From advancing sustainable mobility with innovations like the world’s most efficient hydrogen car to shaping policies that promote digital inclusion, our work contributes to a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable future. Whether it’s exploring how technology influences human behaviour or leveraging data and innovation to transform industries and communities, we ensure that technology serves people – and not the other way around.
As an employer, BMS offers a vibrant, inclusive, and entrepreneurial environment where you can thrive personally and professionally. Join us and become part of a forward-thinking community that equips you to shape the future – for yourself and society. With us, you will become part of a leading technical university with increasing, positive social impact.
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