Research Associate - As.Dean for Research&Grad.Std.-CHSS

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to support a funded research project focused on examining the relationship between sustainability practices and the performance of entrepreneurial firms, with particular emphasis on the role of entrepreneurial orientation and geographical context. The project investigates how human, social, economic, environmental, and technological sustainability practices influence firm performance using advanced quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, including Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), and semi-structured interviews. Responsibilities: • Conduct comprehensive literature reviews on sustainability practices, entrepreneurial orientation, firm performance, and geographical context. • Assist in the design and development of research instruments, including survey questionnaires and interview protocols. • Support data collection from entrepreneurial firms using surveys and interviews. • Perform quantitative data analysis using tools such as SPSS, SmartPLS/AMOS, and ANN-related software (e.g., Python, MATLAB). • Assist in qualitative data analysis using thematic analysis and software such as NVivo or Atlas.ti. • Contribute to the interpretation of results, preparation of reports, and development of academic manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals. • Collaborate closely with the research team to meet project milestones and deliverables. • Maintain accurate documentation of research activities in compliance with ethical and institutional requirements. • Stay updated on recent advancements in sustainability, entrepreneurship, business performance, and policy-related research. Grade: 19.

• Master’s Degree: A master’s degree in a relevant field such as engineering, data analytics, data science, GIS / geospatial sciences, geography, business analytics, sustainability studies, entrepreneurship, economics, management, or social sciences, or a closely related discipline. Candidates close to completing their master’s degree may be considered, subject to academic performance and evidence of research activity. • Publication Record: Demonstrated ability to conduct academic research, with evidence of scholarly writing and at least one publication or manuscript under review preferred. Preferred qualifications: • Master’s Degree in engineering, data analytics, data science, GIS / geospatial analysis, geography, sustainability, entrepreneurship, economics, management, or a related field. • Strong Publication Record in peer-reviewed journals related to sustainability, entrepreneurship, engineering applications, data analytics, GIS, or firm performance. • Research Experience in quantitative and mixed-methods research, including statistical analysis, GIS-based analysis, engineering modelling, data analytics, SEM, ANN, or machine learning techniques. • Software & Technical Skills: Experience with GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS) and analytical tools such as SPSS, SmartPLS/AMOS, Python, R, MATLAB, SQL, or related platforms. • Spatial Data Experience: Ability to work with spatial datasets, geocoded firm-level data, or geographic indicators relevant to sustainability and performance analysis.

Conduct literature reviews on sustainability practices, entrepreneurial orientation, firm performance, and geographical context. Assist in design and development of research instruments (survey questionnaires and interview protocols). Support data collection from entrepreneurial firms using surveys and interviews. Perform quantitative data analysis using SPSS, SmartPLS/AMOS, and ANN-related software (e.g., Python, MATLAB). Assist in qualitative data analysis using thematic analysis and software such as NVivo or Atlas.ti. Contribute to interpretation of results, preparation of reports, and development of academic manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals. Collaborate with the research team to meet project milestones and deliverables. Maintain accurate documentation of research activities in compliance with ethical and institutional requirements. Stay updated on advancements in sustainability, entrepreneurship, business performance, and policy-related research.