PhD Understanding the Paradoxical Effects of AI on Organisational Performance
Apply nowPhD Understanding the Paradoxical Effects of AI on Organisational Performance
The Faculty of Economics and Business offers an inspiring study and working environment for students and employees. International accreditation enables the Faculty to assess performance against the highest international standards. It also creates an exciting environment of continuous improvement. FEB’s programmes, academic staff and research do well on various excellence ranking lists.
FEBRI, the graduate school and research institute of the Faculty of Economics and Business, in cooperation with Macquerie University, Australia, has available one PhD position for the project Understanding the Paradoxical Effects of AI on Organisational Performance.
PhD Understanding the Paradoxical Effects of AI on Organisational Performance
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What are you going to do?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises transformative gains for organizations. Yet, evidence shows its effects on performance are paradoxical: while AI can enhance efficiency and productivity, it may also undermine decision quality, legitimacy, and innovation. This research aims to gain insight into the drivers, use, and consequences of AI on organizational performance, and to develop and empirically test a framework that investigates these (potentially) contradictory outcomes. The research will, in particular, be directed at explaining the configurations (task risk/structure, performance-goal coopetition) and contextual drivers (industry, decision frame, governance) that determine outcomes. By integrating paradox theory, innovation management, and AI governance, the project aims to generate insights into how AI can foster productivity and trust while avoiding risks of deskilling, homogenisation, and excessive risk aversion.
Who are you?
The ideal candidate has:
- Demonstrated understanding of, and strong interest in, the management, governance, and organizational implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Willingness and ability to work effectively in hybrid research environments that combine virtual collaboration with co-located, cross-institutional teamwork.
- Excellent communication skills and a proactive attitude toward managing research activities, coordinating with supervisors, and engaging with stakeholders across institutions.
Prior academic research experience (e.g., through a Master’s thesis or research assistantship) is considered a strong advantage, particularly in fields related to innovation management, digital transformation, or organizational studies.
Applicants must not already:
- Hold a doctoral degree; or be matriculated for a doctoral degree at the Partner University, Macquarie University, or another institution.
For Macquarie, also see the English language requirements, and graduate research scholarship eligibility criteria.
What can you expect from us?
- In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least € 3.059 up to a maximum of € 3.881 (promovendus) gross per month for a full-time employment contract.
- 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
- End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
- Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
- The project is offered jointly by the University of Groningen (UG) and Macquarie University (MQ). The student starts at the Faculty of Economics of the University of Groningen (UG) as a PhD candidate and receives 2 years of funding. Next, the student continues at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, receiving a Doctoral Cotutelle Scholarship (2 years) through its Global PhD partnership programme. While enrolled at UG, the candidate will be employed under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, covering salary and research-related costs for two years. During the candidate’s stay at MQ (2 years), the university will provide a living allowance of AUD 39,700 per annum (tax exempt), a full tuition fee scholarship for up to three years, and a travel allowance of up to AUD 4,000. Macquarie’s variation policy allows for two 6-months extensions. This structure ensures that the candidate benefits from both European and Australian academic environments, research networks, and access to unique data sources.
Where will you be working?
At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.
The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) has about 7,000 students and 700 staff, who make up an informal, personal, and inspiring academic community. We offer an ambitious, open, and dynamic working environment that encourages both students and staff to keep innovating. Approximately 25% of our students and 35% of our staff come from abroad, contributing to an international atmosphere. With EQUIS and AACSB accreditations, FEB is among the top 1% of business schools worldwide. At FEB, we believe in connecting for impact: we bring together students, academics, and external stakeholders to collectively make a positive influence on regional, national, and global economic and business issues, both in academia and society. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Economics and Business, visit rug.nl/feb.
At the University of Groningen The PhD position is embedded in the research programme Innovation & Organisation of FEB’s Research Institute.
The successful candidate will be supervised by Dr Thijs Broekhuizen (t.l.j.broekhuizen@rug.nl) and Prof. Babak Abedin (babak.abedin@mq.edu.au). The research involves cross-institutional research aimed at understanding the paradoxical effects of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on organisational performance. The doctoral project contributes to the universities’ shared strategic priorities of advancing responsible innovation, digital transformation, and ethical AI governance.
Application procedure
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.
The selection committee assesses your application and you will be notified as soon as possible whether you are invited for an interview.
We would like to get to know each other better in a first interview, which can take place either online or on location.
We may schedule a second interview with you. Depending on the position, this interview can be complemented with an assessment or guest lecture.
After a positive interview, we will discuss the terms of employment together. When everything is completed, we are happy to welcome you at the University of Groningen!
Interested?
Does this vacancy appeal to you? If so, click on the button below and apply straightaway.
Please add the following documents to your application:
- Your CV.
- A motivation letter (1A4 max).
- A scan of your diploma, including transcript, proof of English proficiency
- Other relevant documents.
Do you have any questions or need more information?
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Questions about the content of the job?
Rina Koning
Policy Officer
A.C.Koning@rug.nl -
Questions about your application process?
Rina Koning
Policy Officer
A.C.Koning@rug.nl
Information about applying
When scheduling meetings, we will take your schedule into account as much as possible.
The University of Groningen considers social safety important. We strive to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identity. For more information, see also our page about our diversity policy.
Acquisition is not appreciated.
Onze selectieprocedure volgt de richtlijnen van de NVP Sollicitatiecode
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