At the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, we conduct world-class research and education focusing on the creation and transformation of technology-based businesses. Our research focuses on creating new scientific knowledge for establishing new businesses and technology-driven transformation of large and small firms, as well as of entire industries. Tying together theory-driven and problem-oriented research is our basis for educating future managers, entrepreneurs, professionals, and scientists able to meet global challenges in technology-based business. The main approaches in our research are strategy and venturing, operations and service management, and entrepreneurial leadership.

We are seeking a skilled and highly motivated master’s thesis researcher to contribute to cutting-edge research exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping and transforming strategy formulation and execution.

This position offers a unique opportunity for a student who is passionate about the intersection of AI and strategic management and eager to make a real-world impact through academic inquiry. You won’t just study how organizations change—you’ll help define how strategy itself evolves in an era dominated by data and automation.

Your role and goals

As a master’s thesis researcher, you will play a central role in the research project exploring the impact of AI on strategy. Your responsibilities will include:

• Data Collection – Conduct in-depth interviews and organizational observations to gather high-quality qualitative data.
• Data Analysis – Use ATLAS.ti or similar tools to code and analyze data, generating theoretical and practical insights.
• Academic Writing – Contribute to the development of scholarly articles for submission to leading peer-reviewed journals.

Your network and team

In this role, you will work under the supervision of Assistant Professor Natalia Vuori, who also serves as the Principal Investigator of the project. Natalia is an experienced scholar in strategic management and qualitative research, and her leadership style emphasizes intellectual curiosity, autonomy, and constructive feedback. You can expect regular guidance, as well as opportunities to shape the direction of your research within the project's broader goals.

You will be part of a vibrant academic community within the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, working alongside colleagues such as Professor Markku Maula and Henri Schildt, who bring complementary expertise in strategy, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation. While your primary collaboration will be within the core project team, this broader academic environment offers valuable opportunities for informal exchange and interdisciplinary dialogue.

Your experience and ambitions

• You have a strong academic background, with demonstrated excellence in your coursework
• You are a curious, driven, and self-directed individual who has an understanding of qualitative research methods
• You have hands-on experience conducting in-depth interviews and are comfortable engaging with professionals and organizational stakeholders to generate rich, meaningful data. 
• You are well-organized and disciplined, capable of managing research tasks and timelines independently
• You take initiative, seek feedback, and view this position as a launchpad for an impactful career in in academia, consulting, or corporate strategy.

What we offer 

This six-month master’s thesis position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in AI transformation and its role in reshaping strategic decision-making, which are key areas shaping the future of business and management. You will work closely with Assistant Professor Natalia Vuori, whose expertise in strategy and organizational change will provide you with valuable insights into how AI is transforming strategy formulation and execution. This is an excellent opportunity to gain practical knowledge that will be highly sought after in both academia and industry.

As part of Aalto University's Department of Industrial Engineering and Management (DIEM), you’ll be immersed in an environment where world-class experts in strategy and technology are constantly advancing knowledge in top management journals. The work conducted here has a real impact on the strategic practices of leading Finnish companies, giving you the chance to connect theory with real-world business challenges.

This position is ideal for a highly motivated student eager to deepen their understanding of AI-driven transformation in strategy while positioning themselves for future career opportunities in academia, consulting, or corporate strategy.

The starting date is September 1, 2025, or another date that is mutually agreed upon with the supervisor. 

Join us!
To apply, please share your CV, publication list, and motivation letter through our recruitment site ("Apply now!”) by 23 June 2025.

Please note: Aalto University’s employees should apply for the position via our internal HR system Workday (Internal Jobs) by using their existing Workday user account (not via the external webpage for open positions). If you are a student or visitor at Aalto University, please apply with your personal email address (not aalto.fi) via Aalto University open positions

For more information about the role, please contact Natalia Vuori +358 (0)50 379 1013 on 27.5.2025 at 11:00-13:00. For questions related to the application process, please contact HR Partner Saara Ahokoski firstname.lastname(at)aalto.fi.

We will go through applications, and we may invite suitable candidates to interview already during the application period. You will hear from us in the second week of August at the latest. We aim to have a transparent and equal recruitment process, so feel free to ask us for feedback.

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