⛔ This position is no longer available.
University: IESEG School of Management
Country: France
Deadline: 2026-05-03
Fields: Finance, Economics, Behavioral Sciences, Psychology, Management
Topic: France – PhD in Finance and Behavioral Economics at IESEG School of Management
Fields: Finance, Economics, Behavioral Sciences, Psychology, Management
Position: PhD
Country: europe
Deadline: 2026-05-03
University: IESEG School of Management
Real Country: France
Main Category: social sciences & humanities
—
Are you passionate about understanding the complex interplay between gender, psychology, and career advancement in academia—and eager to use advanced empirical methods to drive meaningful change in higher education?
Pursuing a doctoral degree in Finance and Behavioral Economics at IESEG School of Management in France offers a unique opportunity to explore these crucial questions. This fully funded PhD position, beginning in September 2026, is designed for aspiring researchers who want to investigate the psychological and institutional factors shaping academic career trajectories, with a special focus on gender disparities. If you are driven by curiosity about the mechanisms behind professional inequalities and want to contribute to more equitable academic environments, this program provides the ideal platform.
About the University or Research Institute
IESEG School of Management is one of Europe’s leading business schools, renowned for its commitment to academic rigor, international outlook, and innovative research. Located in Lille, a vibrant city in northern France, IESEG is triple-accredited (AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA) and a proud member of the “Conférence des Grandes Écoles,” which testifies to its high standards of excellence in management education.
IESEG’s faculty represents over 45 nationalities, fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment. The school is affiliated with LEM (Lille Economics and Management), a research unit recognized by the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), and jointly operated with the University of Lille. LEM is home to approximately 200 researchers and 100 doctoral students, making it one of the most dynamic and international research communities in economics and management in France.
France itself offers a rich academic and cultural environment for doctoral students. With a long tradition of excellence in higher education, France is known for its support of research and innovation, its world-class universities, and its commitment to social progress. International PhD candidates in France benefit from competitive funding, access to extensive university resources, and the opportunity to immerse themselves in a vibrant multicultural society.
Research Topic and Significance
The central research theme of this PhD project is the intersection of gender, psychology, and academic careers within the field of economics. Despite significant advances, gender disparities persist in academia, particularly in economics, where women remain underrepresented in senior positions and certain subfields. Traditional explanations—such as motherhood, age, or productivity differences—fail to fully account for these enduring gaps.
This project aims to break new ground by investigating the psychological underpinnings of career trajectories. By examining personality traits (using the Big Five framework) and value orientations (drawing on Schwartz’s theory of basic values), the research seeks to uncover how these individual characteristics interact with institutional and social environments to shape career outcomes. The study will collect and analyze original survey data from economists at various career stages, both in France and internationally, using advanced statistical and econometric methods.
The significance of this research lies in its potential to inform policy and institutional interventions that promote gender equity in academia. By shedding light on the psychological mechanisms and socialization processes that influence career choices, the project aspires to identify actionable levers for fostering diversity and inclusion within the academic community.
Project Details
The successful PhD candidate will join the GENRECO project, a pioneering initiative focused on the empirical analysis of gender, psychology, and career development in economics. The research will be conducted within LEM (CNRS-UMR 9221, Université de Lille/IESEG), an interdisciplinary laboratory that brings together scholars from economics, management, and social sciences.
Supervision will be provided by Dr. Aurore Burietz-Barakat, in collaboration with Dr. Caroline Perrin. The candidate will benefit from a stimulating environment that combines expertise in management, organization studies, and behavioral research, along with rigorous empirical training in econometrics and quantitative methods. The dual affiliation with the Department of Finance ensures exposure to cutting-edge research in finance and economics, while the interdisciplinary nature of LEM offers opportunities to engage with scholars investigating inequalities, governance, and organizational dynamics.
The PhD student will participate in a structured doctoral training program run by LEM and the Doctoral School SESAM, and will have access to a wide range of university facilities and support services. The position offers a competitive gross monthly salary (2,200€) and is based in Lille, a city known for its lively student life, cultural richness, and strategic location in Europe.
Candidate Profile
This position is ideal for candidates with a strong academic background and a keen interest in gender studies, behavioral economics, and academic career development. Applicants should have (or be close to completing) a Master’s degree in Economics, Finance, Management, or a related discipline.
Key qualifications include:
– Solid quantitative skills and proficiency in empirical research methods, especially econometrics and statistical analysis.
– Experience with statistical software such as R, Stata, or Python is highly desirable.
– Demonstrated interest in data collection and survey analysis.
– An interdisciplinary mindset, with openness to psychology, behavioral sciences, or organizational studies.
– Excellent analytical abilities, intellectual curiosity, and capacity for both independent and collaborative work.
– Strong command of written and spoken English.
– Motivation to contribute to research that can impact higher education policy and promote gender equality.
The program seeks candidates who are committed to advancing knowledge and practice in the field, and who are eager to engage with an international academic network.
Application Process
Interested applicants are required to submit the following documents through the designated recruitment platform (see reference link below):
– Curriculum vitae
– Transcripts of marks from undergraduate (Bachelor’s) and postgraduate (Master’s) studies
– Two letters of recommendation from academic referees (including their contact details)
– A sample of previous research work (such as a Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis)
– A motivation letter explaining the applicant’s interest in pursuing a PhD in this area
Key dates for the selection process are as follows:
– Application deadline: May 3rd, 2026
– Interview period: May 4th to May 8th, 2026
– Final recruitment deadline: May 15th, 2026
Please note that the position was advertised by Dr. Caroline Perrin on LinkedIn. For further details and to apply, refer to the official LinkedIn post:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/caroline-perrin-697565120_phd-position-activity-7439256711384801280-dE7F
Conclusion
This fully funded PhD opportunity at IESEG School of Management offers a rare chance to work at the frontier of behavioral economics, gender studies, and academic career research. With access to a world-class research environment, expert supervision, and a supportive doctoral training program, the successful candidate will be well positioned to make a significant contribution to both scholarship and policy.
If you are motivated to explore the psychological and institutional factors shaping academic careers—and to help build a more inclusive and equitable future for higher education—consider applying for this exciting position. Stay tuned for similar opportunities by following updates from IESEG and LEM.
Questions & Answers
Question: What makes France an attractive destination for PhD students?
France offers a high standard of research infrastructure, competitive funding, and a multicultural environment. Its universities are globally recognized, and students benefit from rich cultural experiences and strong academic networks.
Question: What is unique about the GENRECO project?
The GENRECO project uniquely combines original survey data, advanced econometric analysis, and interdisciplinary perspectives to investigate gender disparities and psychological mechanisms in academic careers.
Question: What support does IESEG provide for international PhD students?
IESEG provides comprehensive support, including access to university facilities, structured doctoral training, and integration into a diverse academic community.
Question: Is prior experience in behavioral economics required?
While a strong interest in behavioral economics is important, candidates from related disciplines such as economics, finance, management, or psychology are encouraged to apply, especially if they have solid quantitative skills.
Question: What career paths are available after completing this PhD?
Graduates can pursue academic careers, research positions in policy institutions, or roles in organizations focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education or the private sector.
Question: How competitive is the funding and salary for this position?
The position offers a competitive gross monthly salary (2,200€), comparable to other European research and academic institutions, along with additional benefits.
Question: What is the language of instruction and research?
The working language for the PhD program is English, ensuring accessibility for international candidates.
Question: Where can I find more information or apply?
Refer to the official LinkedIn post for detailed application instructions:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/caroline-perrin-697565120_phd-position-activity-7439256711384801280-dE7F
Want to calculate your PhD admission chances? Try it here:
https://phdfinder.com/2026/03/12/phd-admission-chance-calculator/
We’re an independent team helping students find opportunities.
Found this opportunity helpful? Support us with a coffee!
