About the position

The department is primarily seeking candidates with a background in internationalization, global value chains, global production networks and supply chain management. Candidates with a background in multinational enterprises, business logistics, economic geography, and knowledge management are also encouraged to apply for the position. The department puts substantial emphasis on the solid application of scientific research method.

The department has a pluralistic approach to research methods, for example, quantitative empirical methods such as survey data or experiments, as well as qualitative research methods. Thus, it is expected that the PhD proposal should contain well-informed methodological considerations. Strong skills in both qualitative- and quantitative methodology is favorable.

Expected starting date is September 2021.

About the project

As firms internationalize, they encounter new situations that present both opportunities and obstacles for learning and value creation, global value chains  are continuing attracting attention among academics and practitioners. Complex forms of coordination between independent actors and activities that are geographically dispersed, while functionally integrated continue to evolve amidst shifting configurations of production, service and innovation networks. Further, sustainability is a critical element for global development. Not only in an eco-environmental manner, but also as a strategic, cultural and political enabler for firms’ international expansions, such as cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&A) or international strategic alliances (ISA). Multinational enterprises (MNEs) are key societal actors and therefore urged to contribute to the sustainability development challenge in decision making and strategy execution. For instance, international M&As are rising again in 2021, where global tech companies and large biopharma goods are feverishly acquiring competitors to gain scale, digitize and accelerate growth. Thus, MNE behavior and locations determines innovation, knowledge and technological upgrading, and defines the transition toward sustainability and its opportunities for all stakeholders embedded in GVCs. Hence, managing and harnessing the complexity of diverse contexts across dispersed locations is crucial to the success of MNEs.

Examples of research areas that the PhD project may cover 

• International expansion and its implication on Global Value Chain
• Global value chains and sustainability – their multilevel impacts of governance and interactions
• Contemporary events impact of further internationalization – MNEs behavior and responses
• Offshoring and Backshoring from a sustainability perspective

Required selection criteria

The PhD-position's main objective is to qualify for work in research positions. The qualification requirement is that you have completed a master’s degree or second degree (equivalent to 120 credits) with a strong academic background in in business, international business, or other equivalent programs with a grade of B or better in terms of NTNU’s grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you are unable to meet these criteria you may be considered only if you can document that you are particularly suitable for education leading to a PhD degree.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants and national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant.

Preferred selection criteria

• Experience in international business, global value chains or multinationals is an advantage.
• Knowledge of, and experience from regional business is an advantage.
• You should master English fluently and preferably also Norwegian or another Scandinavian language.

Personal characteristics

Personal qualifications which we see contributing positively to the research team are independence, work capacity and enthusiasm. We are also looking for candidates with social skills benefiting the work environment for the PhD candidates and in general.

We offer

• exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment
• an open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
• favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• employee benefits

Salary and conditions

PhD candidates are remunerated in code 1017, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 482 200 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is three years.

Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Economics and Management within three months of employment, and that you participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU. After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution daily.

About the application

The application must include:

• CV, certificates and diplomas
• Research plan or project proposal (maximum 5 pages)
• English language certified copies of educational diplomas/certificates/transcripts that clearly indicate achieved degrees and the number of credits and grades achieved for both undergraduate and graduate studies.
• A master's thesis or equivalent independent student work. If the thesis is in a non-English or non-Scandinavian language, a certified transcript of the abstract of the thesis must be provided.
• Academic works - published or unpublished - that you would like to be considered in the assessment
• Name, position, and e-mail address of three referees who can be contacted as references for academic qualifications

Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint works, you must attach a brief description of your participation.

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability.

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA.

General information

Working at NTNU

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background. 

The city of Ålesund, with its population of 50 000, will provide you with plenty of opportunities to explore a region of Norway that is famous for its beautiful scenery with high mountains and blue fjords. Ålesund itself, with its Art Nouveau architecture, is by many considered to be the most beautiful city in Norway! The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world.

As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted.

In accordance with The Public Information Act (Offentleglova), your name, age, position and municipality may be made public even if you have requested not to have your name entered on the list of applicants.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Associate professor Bella B. Nujen, telephone 70161625, email: bella.nujen@ntnu.no, Associate professor Richard Glavee-Geo, telephone 70161288, email: rigl@ntnu.no, or Head of the Department/Professor Hans Solli-Sæther, telephone 7016135/90944815, email: haso/@ntnu.no

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Diploma Supplement is required to attach for European Master Diplomas outside Norway. Chinese applicants are required to provide confirmation of Master Diploma from China Credentials Verification (CHSI).

Application deadline: 15.08.2021

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

Department of International Business

We are part of the Ålesund Campus. The Department’s core expertise, in which marketing, innovation and entrepreneurship play a key role, is closely linked to the region’s needs. We also conduct research and teaching in economics, business administration, marketing, commercial and management subjects.  Together with local business and industry, we have created a research laboratory to enable research and development in service innovation, entrepreneurship, finance and technology. The Department of International Business is one of four departments in the Faculty of Economics and Management. 

Deadline 15th August 2021
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Ålesund
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Ålesund