Are you a curious, ambitious, and independent researcher with a strong affinity for neurodiversity? The Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) is offering a fully-funded PhD position to explore the complex interplay of strengths and vulnerabilities in neurodivergent entrepreneurs. This project aims to develop a nuanced understanding of how neurodivergent characteristics shape entrepreneurial trajectories and innovative outcomes, and how support strategies can leverage these talents.
This interdisciplinary research project sits at the intersection of entrepreneurship, diversity and inclusion, work psychology, and innovation studies. It seeks to move beyond the traditional ‘deficit’ perspective of neurodivergence, focusing instead on its dual role in entrepreneurial success and challenges. The PhD candidate will contribute to a timely and socially relevant research agenda, with opportunities to conduct high-quality research that creates real-world impact.
Fully-Funded PhD Position: Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs – Balancing Between Brilliance and Barriers
Designation
- ERIM FT PhD vacancy
Scholarship Details
| FTE | Reference | Visible Since | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 fte | 5861 | Monday, 24 August 2026 | Thursday, 1 October 2026 |
Research Area
Keywords:
- Neurodiversity / neurodivergence
- Cognitive diversity
- Entrepreneurship
- Innovation
- Self-regulation
- ADHD
- Field experiment
Project Focus:
This PhD project will contribute to a balanced theory of neurodivergent entrepreneurship by:
- Developing an integrative and interdisciplinary literature review to create a novel theoretical framework.
- Empirically examining how neurodivergence shapes entrepreneurial performance and wellbeing in two contexts: nascent entrepreneurship (through a targeted intervention for entrepreneurs with ADHD) and intrapreneurship (by studying neurocognitive diversity in teams within established organizations).
- Developing evidence-based interventions or support tools to help neurodivergent individuals leverage their talents in entrepreneurial work.
Location
- Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Eligibility/Qualification
- Completed (or close to completing) a master’s degree in management, entrepreneurship, economics, or an adjacent field (e.g., psychology, medicine/psychiatry, neuroscience, sociology). Degrees from adjacent areas will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- Strong academic record, preferably demonstrated by a high GPA.
- GMAT or GRE scores are preferred (an additional assignment will be required if unavailable).
- A Research Master’s degree is an advantage.
- Experience with, or a strong interest in learning, methods such as field experiments, experience-sampling methods, and Qualitative Comparative Analysis is considered an advantage.
- Strong affinity for neurodiversity and motivation to conduct high-quality research with real-world impact.
Scholarship Description
ERIM offers fully-funded and salaried PhD positions, meaning accepted PhD candidates become employees (promovendi) of Erasmus University Rotterdam. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO). The project is supervised by Dr. Ingrid Verheul and Dr. Andreas Distel.
The project is expected to generate a series of publications in renowned academic journals, working papers for international conferences, and tangible outcomes such as an evidence-based intervention for entrepreneurs with ADHD. It will also produce unique datasets on neurodivergent entrepreneurs and neurocognitive diversity, and develop evidence-based recommendations in collaboration with partners like the Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship (ECE) and Specialisterne.
How to Apply
All application documents required by ERIM can be found on the Admissions page. Please refer to the official vacancy for detailed instructions and required documents.
Last Date for Apply
- Thursday, 1 October 2026
Apply Link
