Lund University, one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities, is inviting applications for a PhD in Sustainability Science at the Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies (LUCSUS). This exciting doctoral opportunity offers successful applicants the chance to conduct cutting-edge interdisciplinary research on the role of finance in shaping just energy transitions while earning a full salary throughout the four-year doctoral programme.

The position is based in Lund, Sweden, and is part of a prestigious FORMAS-funded international research project that explores how financial systems influence the transition away from fossil fuels. The successful candidate will work alongside researchers in Sweden and Canada while contributing to one of the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges.

Application Deadline: 28 August 2026

About Lund University

Founded in 1666, Lund University consistently ranks among the world’s leading universities. With approximately 46,000 students and 8,500 staff, the university is internationally recognized for excellence in research and education.

The successful PhD candidate will join the Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies (LUCSUS), a globally respected institute dedicated to addressing sustainability challenges through interdisciplinary research and innovative educational programmes.

LUCSUS conducts research across several major sustainability themes, including:

• Climate change and resilience
• Land-use governance and development
• Urban governance and transformation
• Energy justice and sustainable energy systems
• Biodiversity and natural resource management

The centre collaborates extensively with international partners and promotes both critical thinking and practical solutions to global sustainability issues.

About the PhD Programme

The Sustainability Science PhD programme is a 240-credit doctoral programme, equivalent to four years of full-time study.

Unlike many doctoral programmes around the world, this position is a salaried employment opportunity.

Successful candidates will:

• Receive a monthly salary from Lund University
• Conduct independent doctoral research
• Complete coursework
• Write and publicly defend a doctoral dissertation

The appointment may also include teaching responsibilities of up to 20% of working time. If teaching duties are assigned, the doctoral appointment will be extended accordingly.

The successful applicant will:

• Be based full-time in Lund, Sweden
• Receive office space at LUCSUS
• Become part of an international research community
• Collaborate with leading sustainability researchers

Research Project: The Financial Sector’s Role in Just Energy Transitions

The doctoral research forms part of the FORMAS-funded project titled:

“(Dis)orderly Transitions: The Financial Sector’s Role in Shaping Just Energy Transitions.”

The project builds upon the COP28 agreement, which emphasized the need for moving away from fossil fuels in a:

• Just
• Orderly
• Equitable

manner.

The research investigates an important question:

How does the financial sector influence the global transition away from fossil fuels?

Researchers will critically examine how financial institutions attempt to create “orderly transitions” through financial instruments that seek to manage uncertainty, risks, investments, and future pathways.

The project combines perspectives from:

• Political economy
• Economic sociology
• Sustainability science
• Critical social sciences

Research Focus

The selected PhD researcher will conduct qualitative fieldwork involving financial actors across Scandinavia.

Research topics include:

• Transition bonds
• Green taxonomies
• Financial markets
• Risk management
• Future-making practices
• Energy transitions
• Power dynamics within financial systems

Fieldwork may include:

• Interviews
• Participant observation
• Document analysis
• Stakeholder engagement

The research aims to improve understanding of how financial systems influence both the opportunities and inequalities emerging during energy transitions.

What You’ll Receive

Successful applicants will benefit from numerous opportunities, including:

Fully Paid Doctoral Position

Candidates receive a monthly salary from Lund University throughout the four-year programme.

Four-Year Employment

The appointment covers the full duration of doctoral studies.

International Research Collaboration

Researchers will work with leading scholars in Sweden and Canada.

Office Space

Students receive dedicated workspace at LUCSUS.

Teaching Opportunities

Eligible candidates may gain valuable university teaching experience.

Professional Development

The programme provides:

• Advanced research training
• International networking
• Conference participation opportunities
• Academic publishing experience
• Collaboration with policymakers and researchers

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the general entry requirements for doctoral education in Sweden.

Applicants should have either:

• A second-cycle qualification (Master’s degree) before 1 January 2027, or
• At least 240 higher education credits, including 60 credits at second-cycle level, or
• Equivalent international qualifications.

Required Qualifications

Ideal candidates should possess:

• A Master’s degree in Sustainability Science, Human Geography, Sociology, Political Science, Anthropology, Science and Technology Studies, or a closely related discipline
• Strong interest in critical social science
• Demonstrated interest in climate, energy, or finance research
• Experience conducting qualitative research
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to collaborate within interdisciplinary and international research teams
• Willingness to contribute to teaching and departmental activities

Desired Qualifications

Although not mandatory, the following strengthen an application:

• Swedish or another Scandinavian language skills
• Knowledge of political economy
• Economic sociology
• Social constructivist approaches
• Experience with interviews and discourse analysis
• Stakeholder mapping experience
• Experience engaging policymakers, NGOs, or investors
• Scientific publishing experience

Applicants are encouraged to apply even if they meet only some of these desirable qualifications.

Assessment Criteria

Applicants will be evaluated based on:

• Academic excellence
• Independent research potential
• Motivation
• Communication skills
• English language proficiency
• Collaboration skills
• Suitability for interdisciplinary sustainability research

Scandinavian language skills are advantageous but not required.

Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following electronically:

1. Cover Letter

Maximum 2,000 words, including:

• Personal introduction
• Motivation
• Relevant qualifications
• Interest in the project
• Proposed research interests

2. CV

Maximum 2 pages, including:

• Academic background
• Research experience
• Publications (if applicable)

3. Degree Certificates

Academic transcripts and certificates.

4. Thesis

Copies of thesis work totaling at least 30 credits, including:

• Master’s thesis, or
• Master’s and Bachelor’s theses

5. Professional References

Names and contact information for three professional referees.

Reference letters are not required during the first application stage.

Employment Information

• Institution: Lund University
• Department: Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies (LUCSUS)
• Location: Lund, Sweden
• Employment Type: Temporary doctoral appointment
• Employment Level: Full-time (100%)
• Start Date: 1 January 2027
• Salary: Monthly salaried position
• Number of Positions: One

Why Apply?

This PhD position offers far more than a doctoral degree. It provides the opportunity to:

• Conduct impactful sustainability research
• Receive a competitive university salary
• Work with internationally recognized scholars
• Investigate one of today’s most significant climate and energy policy challenges
• Develop expertise in sustainability governance, finance, and energy transitions
• Join one of Europe’s leading sustainability research institutions

Apply Here

For aspiring sustainability researchers interested in climate governance, political economy, finance, and just transitions, this represents an exceptional career opportunity.

For more information, visit the official website.

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