PhD Scholarship in Sustainability – Copenhagen Business School (CBS)

 

PhD Scholarship in Sustainability – Copenhagen Business School (CBS)

Copenhagen Business School (CBS) invites applications for a fully funded PhD scholarship in Sustainability, offering a unique opportunity to conduct in-depth research on some of the most pressing sustainability challenges facing societies today. The scholarship is hosted by the Centre for Sustainability at CBS and is designed for highly motivated candidates with a strong academic background in the social sciences.

This PhD position supports research that critically examines sustainability and sustainable development from interdisciplinary and empirical perspectives, with relevance for both academic debate and real-world practice.

Scholarship Objective and Research Focus

The PhD scholarship aims to advance knowledge on sustainability and sustainable development, with a particular emphasis on the roles played by key societal actors. Applicants are encouraged to develop research projects that address one or more of the following themes:

• The roles and responsibilities of business, government, consumers, and civil society organisations in advancing sustainability

• Sustainability in business practices, finance, and governance systems

• Consumer behaviour and civil society engagement in sustainability transitions

• Labour market dynamics and employment issues related to sustainability

• Environmental and social dimensions of sustainable development

• Resistance or backlash against sustainability initiatives

Research projects may focus on contexts in either the Global North or the Global South. Proposals addressing other relevant sustainability-related topics are also welcome, provided they align with the academic mission of the Centre for Sustainability at CBS.

Research Proposal Requirements

Applicants must submit a theoretically grounded research proposal with a clear empirical orientation. The proposal should demonstrate originality, academic rigor, and relevance to the research profile of the Centre for Sustainability.

The five-page project description must include:

• A clearly defined and original research question

• An outline of the initial theoretical framework and methodological approach

• A description of the proposed empirical material or data sources

• A realistic three-year work plan outlining the progression of the PhD project

The proposal should clearly explain how the planned research will contribute to ongoing sustainability research at CBS.

About the PhD Programme at CBS

CBS offers a three-year PhD programme that combines high-level research training with international academic exposure. PhD students benefit from:

• Supervision by experienced CBS professors and associate professors

• Participation in research-related PhD courses

• Opportunities to present research at international conferences

• A mandatory research stay at another academic institution as a visiting PhD student

Graduates of the CBS PhD programme are highly regarded in academia, government, international organisations, and the private sector, where their advanced research and analytical skills are in strong demand.

Application and Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Hold a master’s degree following the 3 + 2 Bologna process

• Achieve a grade of 10 or equivalent for the master’s thesis (Danish 7-point grading scale)

• Maintain a weighted GPA of at least 8.2 (combined bachelor’s and master’s) or 9.5 for the master’s degree alone

• If GPA requirements are not met, applicants may submit documentation confirming they are within the top 40% of their class

• Possess a relevant educational background in the social sciences

• Complete the master’s degree before the application deadline

• Demonstrate high-level academic English proficiency in both writing and speaking

Required Application Materials

Applications must include the following documents:

• A five-page PhD project description

• Bachelor’s and master’s diplomas and transcripts

• Documentation of class ranking (if applicable)

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• List of publications (if applicable)

• One selected written work (e.g., master’s thesis or equivalent)

• Documentation of English language proficiency (if requested during the interview stage)

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Employment Terms and Salary

The PhD scholarship is offered as a fully salaried position under the Danish collective agreement.

• Duration: Three years

• Teaching obligation: 416 working hours

• Monthly salary: DKK 29,691.75 – 36,180 (depending on seniority)

• Pension contribution: 18.07%

• Additional coverage: Tuition fees, office space, course costs, and travel expenses

Recruitment and Selection Process

The recruitment process follows several stages:

1. The Recruitment Committee shortlists 2–5 candidates for assessment

2. An Assessment Committee evaluates shortlisted applicants

3. Applicants receive a personal written assessment and may be invited for an interview

4. A positive assessment does not automatically guarantee an interview

5. Final decisions are communicated to all applicants after the process concludes

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: 15 February 2026

• Expected Start Date: 1 September 2026

Why Apply

This PhD scholarship at CBS offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge sustainability research at a world-class business school. Successful applicants will engage in impactful academic work that informs sustainable business practices, policy development, and societal transformation.

If you are passionate about sustainability and eager to shape the future of sustainable business and society through rigorous research, this PhD programme provides an ideal platform to do so.

Apply now