Would you like to help research why some SMEs succeed with transformation?

Would you like to contribute to creating research-based knowledge about why some small and medium-sized enterprises succeed in development and transformation – while others do not?

Center for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (Center for SMEs), Department of Management, Aarhus BSS seeks a postdoc for a 3-year research program focusing on mechanisms of impact in SMEs. The position is linked to the center's practice-oriented research and development projects in SMEs. The projects include both action research and follow-up research. In the research, a typical mixed-methods approach is used.

The concrete position is linked to the research project Innovationshub for Circular Plastics , where the focus is on understanding which organizational, managerial and contextual mechanisms support successful execution and transformation in SMEs, as well as 1-2 upcoming projects.

We are looking for a postdoc who is passionate about contributing with new knowledge through research about what it takes for SMEs to succeed with development and transformation, and who can work with mixed methods, thrive close to the practice field and be motivated to work in a research environment where we develop knowledge together.

About the position

As a postdoc you will be a central part of a strong and closely collaborating research environment, where we work long-term to understand what actually works in SMEs – and why.

You will not be hired for one isolated project, but become part of a team that across several larger projects works with a comparable methodological approach and a shared research design. This provides a special opportunity to systematically compare results across projects and build a cumulative knowledge base about the mechanisms, organizational conditions and managerial actions that underpin successful execution, development and transformation in SMEs.

We place great emphasis on a work environment characterized by professionalism, community and high trust. You will have responsibility and opportunity to influence both research processes, analyses and results, but you are not alone. We work closely together on research design, data collection, analysis, publications and dissemination, and have a strong culture of sparring, knowledge sharing and joint reflection.

You will be part of a center that works for and with small and medium-sized Danish companies, which are the core target group for our research. Our ambition is to create “knowledge that works” – research that is both academically solid and practically useful.

The position entails close contact and collaboration with companies and other partners. You must therefore thrive at the intersection of research and practice and be motivated by dialogue and collaboration with actors outside the university.

Your duties

You will among other things work with

• Design and conduct of action and follow-up research
• Drafting interview guides and questionnaires, often with both qualitative and quantitative elements
• Conducting interviews with companies and actors in the business development system
• Planning and coordinating with partners and companies
• Analysis of qualitative and quantitative data
• Longitudinal analysis of organizational processes, development trajectories and execution in SMEs
• Literature reviews and development of research-based design principles
• Drafting research articles, reports and presentations
• Participating in workshops, learning loops and knowledge dissemination, with a focus on influencing the empirical field and working in an intervention-oriented way
• Contributing to the center’s research environment and other activities

Your competencies

We are looking for a curious and analytically strong researcher who can work independently and thrive in a close collaborative team.

We expect that you

• Have a PhD in e.g. management, organization, innovation, entrepreneurship, sociology, political science or related areas
• Have strong methodological competencies (action research, design research, follow-up research, qualitative and quantitative)
• Have experience with interviews, empirical data collection and analysis
• Have good analytical and written communication skills
• Can drive your own sub-projects while contributing actively to joint tasks
• Thrive in collaboration with both researchers and external partners
• Have an interest in SMEs, organizational development, innovation, business development and/or green transformation

It is an advantage if you have experience with

• Longitudinal research designs
• Follow-up research, action research or practice-oriented research
• Survey design and analysis
• Communication to the practice field

We offer

• A strong research environment with close collaboration and high professionalism
• Opportunity to work with current and societally important issues
• Great influence on research activities and project development
• Close collaboration with companies, industry associations and other partners
• A work environment characterized by trust, flexibility and engagement
• Opportunity for both academic publication and practice-oriented dissemination

Who are we?

Center for SMEs is anchored at the Department of Management, which is part of Aarhus BSS, Aarhus University – a top 100 university. Aarhus BSS has achieved the prestigious AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS accreditations.

The institute has an international research and teaching environment, consisting of 160 Danish and international researchers, academic staff and PhD students. We are leading in management, including strategy, innovation, marketing, organization, digitalisation and accounting. We aim to deliver high-quality research and emphasize publishing our research in leading academic journals and presenting it at recognized conferences.

You can read more about the Department of Management at: http://mgmt.au.dk/ and about Center for SMEs https://mgmt.au.dk/smv

Starting date

The start date will be 1 January 2027 or as soon as possible. The position is fixed-term for 3 years and 3 months.

Application deadline

19 October 2026

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained by contacting the Center Leader, Professor Mette Neville at email: [email protected]

If you need help uploading your application or have questions about the recruitment process, you are welcome to contact HR supporter Maria Løvgaard Bodin, tel. +45 8715 3445, e-mail: [email protected].

Work address

Aarhus BSS

Department of Management

Universitetsbyen 61

8000 Aarhus

Denmark

Type of appointment

Salary and employment conditions follow the state collective agreement for academics . You will be employed as a postdoc on the basic salary grade 4-8 with allowances according to the protocol on certain terms of employment for scientific personnel at universities .

Job content and qualification requirements are further described in circular on terms of employment for scientific personnel at universities .

Application procedure

• Application
• Curriculum Vitae. You are encouraged to indicate any leave periods without research activity, including e.g. maternity/paternity leave, as your research activities will be assessed in relation to your actual research time
• Education (degrees – kandidat, PhD and any doctorates)
• Publication list (the attached publications should be clearly marked on the publication list)
• Publications. Up to 3 publications can be attached. In the case of multiple authors, an authorship statement from the applicant’s co-authors confirming the applicant’s share in the joint work must be enclosed. This form can be used for this purpose
• Teaching portfolio. The exact requirements for documentation can be found here

Materials that cannot be uploaded with the application can be submitted in 3 copies to Aarhus BSS HR & PhD, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 16, 8000 Aarhus C.

Read more about how to apply for a scientific position at Aarhus BSS here .

Assessment process

After the application deadline, a review committee will be appointed. Please note that the assessment of applicants is based solely on the materials received by the deadline. For more information see guidelines for assessment committees, Aarhus BSS .

Aarhus University will be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and strives for a culture where everyone can develop and grow. We see equality and diversity as a resource and therefore encourage all interested to apply .

Applications must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed from the job advertisement on Aarhus University’s website.

Aarhus University

Aarhus University will be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and strives for a culture where everyone can develop and grow. We see equality and diversity as a resource and therefore encourage all interested to apply .

Applications must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed from the job advertisement on Aarhus University’s website.