Cranfield School of Management (Cranfield University, UK) invites applications for a fully funded, full-time PhD studentship in the Strategy area examining how generative AI is reshaping strategizing, organisational sensemaking, and accountability. The project will develop theory-building qualitative research on how AI-mediated decision-making influences the framing and justification of strategic issues, the organisation of human–AI collaboration, and the governance of responsibility when model- and text-generated outputs become integrated into organisational governance and decision routines.
The studentship is fully funded for 3 years, including a full tuition fee waiver and an annual bursary of £20,780. The expected start date is 28 September 2026.
Advisory team
First supervisor: Dr Mehdi Safavi (Cranfield School of Management)
Second supervisor: Prof Andrey Pavlov (Cranfield School of Management)
External advisors: Dr Omid Omidvar (Warwick Business School) and Prof Vern Glaser (Alberta School of Business)
Candidate profile
We welcome applications from candidates with strong training and interest in qualitative methods (e.g., process research and interpretive approaches) and enthusiasm for research at the intersection of Strategy/Organisation Studies and AI-enabled organising and decision-making. Prior experience with AI-related topics is advantageous, but the key requirement is the ability to conduct rigorous, theory-driven qualitative research and engage deeply with contemporary debates on AI, strategizing, and responsible governance.
How to apply / further details
Full details and application instructions: https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/research/phd/ai-mediated-strategizing
Application deadline: 03 June 2026.
Informal enquiries are welcome: mehdi.safavi@cranfield.ac.uk
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Mehdi Safavi
Senior Lecturer
Mehdi Safavi Person
BEDFORD
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