Lund University PhD in Sustainability Science 2027 in Sweden (Fully Funded with Salary): Apply for a Doctoral Research Position on Just Energy Transitions

<p data-start="162" data-end="629">Lund University, one of Europe&#8217;s oldest and most prestigious universities, is inviting applications for a <strong data-start="268" data-end="301">PhD in Sustainability Science</strong> at the <strong data-start="309" data-end="371">Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies (LUCSUS)</strong>. 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.</p> <p data-start="631" data-end="996">The position is based in <strong data-start="656" data-end="672">Lund, Sweden</strong>, and is part of a prestigious <strong data-start="703" data-end="751">FORMAS-funded international research project</strong> 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&#8217;s most pressing sustainability challenges.</p> <p data-start="998" data-end="1038"><strong data-start="998" data-end="1038">Application Deadline: 28 August 2026</strong></p> <h1 data-section-id="a49nwc" data-start="1045" data-end="1068">About Lund University</h1> <p data-start="1070" data-end="1312">Founded in <strong data-start="1081" data-end="1089">1666</strong>, Lund University consistently ranks among the world&#8217;s leading universities. With approximately <strong data-start="1185" data-end="1204">46,000 students</strong> and <strong data-start="1209" data-end="1224">8,500 staff</strong>, the university is internationally recognized for excellence in research and education.</p> <p data-start="1314" data-end="1575">The successful PhD candidate will join the <strong data-start="1357" data-end="1419">Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies (LUCSUS)</strong>, a globally respected institute dedicated to addressing sustainability challenges through interdisciplinary research and innovative educational programmes.</p> <p data-start="1577" data-end="1656">LUCSUS conducts research across several major sustainability themes, including:</p> <ul data-start="1658" data-end="1860"> <li data-section-id="x9430b" data-start="1658" data-end="1689">Climate change and resilience</li> <li data-section-id="1r9u0vr" data-start="1690" data-end="1727">Land-use governance and development</li> <li data-section-id="o1yzau" data-start="1728" data-end="1765">Urban governance and transformation</li> <li data-section-id="jgfldb" data-start="1766" data-end="1813">Energy justice and sustainable energy systems</li> <li data-section-id="hyg5ys" data-start="1814" data-end="1860">Biodiversity and natural resource management</li> </ul> <p data-start="1862" data-end="2018">The centre collaborates extensively with international partners and promotes both critical thinking and practical solutions to global sustainability issues.</p> <h1 data-section-id="f8gl02" data-start="2025" data-end="2050">About the PhD Programme</h1> <p data-start="2052" data-end="2181">The Sustainability Science PhD programme is a <strong data-start="2098" data-end="2131">240-credit doctoral programme</strong>, equivalent to <strong data-start="2147" data-end="2180">four years of full-time study</strong>.</p> <p data-start="2183" data-end="2284">Unlike many doctoral programmes around the world, this position is a salaried employment opportunity.</p> <p data-start="2286" data-end="2313">Successful candidates will:</p> <ul data-start="2315" data-end="2476"> <li data-section-id="i8a29e" data-start="2315" data-end="2362">Receive a monthly salary from Lund University</li> <li data-section-id="1hhwfr3" data-start="2363" data-end="2402">Conduct independent doctoral research</li> <li data-section-id="1ja3kf1" data-start="2403" data-end="2424">Complete coursework</li> <li data-section-id="1j5iw0s" data-start="2425" data-end="2476">Write and publicly defend a doctoral dissertation</li> </ul> <p data-start="2478" data-end="2658">The appointment may also include teaching responsibilities of up to <strong data-start="2546" data-end="2553">20%</strong> of working time. If teaching duties are assigned, the doctoral appointment will be extended accordingly.</p> <p data-start="2660" data-end="2690">The successful applicant will:</p> <ul data-start="2692" data-end="2868"> <li data-section-id="si8pyb" data-start="2692" data-end="2728">Be based full-time in Lund, Sweden</li> <li data-section-id="k8350d" data-start="2729" data-end="2761">Receive office space at LUCSUS</li> <li data-section-id="ivj00a" data-start="2762" data-end="2814">Become part of an international research community</li> <li data-section-id="1agkfw" data-start="2815" data-end="2868">Collaborate with leading sustainability researchers</li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="4w5mt9" data-start="2875" data-end="2949">Research Project: The Financial Sector&#8217;s Role in Just Energy Transitions</h1> <p data-start="2951" data-end="3024">The doctoral research forms part of the <strong data-start="2991" data-end="3016">FORMAS-funded project</strong> titled:</p> <p data-start="3026" data-end="3121"><strong data-start="3026" data-end="3121">&#8220;(Dis)orderly Transitions: The Financial Sector&#8217;s Role in Shaping Just Energy Transitions.&#8221;</strong></p> <p data-start="3123" data-end="3237">The project builds upon the <strong data-start="3151" data-end="3170">COP28 agreement</strong>, which emphasized the need for moving away from fossil fuels in a:</p> <ul data-start="3239" data-end="3267"> <li data-section-id="1j3wdkg" data-start="3239" data-end="3245">Just</li> <li data-section-id="3o682b" data-start="3246" data-end="3255">Orderly</li> <li data-section-id="1jfh3tq" data-start="3256" data-end="3267">Equitable</li> </ul> <p data-start="3269" data-end="3276">manner.</p> <p data-start="3278" data-end="3326">The research investigates an important question:</p> <p data-start="3328" data-end="3417"><strong data-start="3328" data-end="3417">How does the financial sector influence the global transition away from fossil fuels?</strong></p> <p data-start="3419" data-end="3625">Researchers will critically examine how financial institutions attempt to create &#8220;orderly transitions&#8221; through financial instruments that seek to manage uncertainty, risks, investments, and future pathways.</p> <p data-start="3627" data-end="3666">The project combines perspectives from:</p> <ul data-start="3668" data-end="3760"> <li data-section-id="i3trr1" data-start="3668" data-end="3687">Political economy</li> <li data-section-id="jph6oz" data-start="3688" data-end="3708">Economic sociology</li> <li data-section-id="subleh" data-start="3709" data-end="3733">Sustainability science</li> <li data-section-id="j48c5b" data-start="3734" data-end="3760">Critical social sciences</li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="10xyz4j" data-start="3767" data-end="3783">Research Focus</h1> <p data-start="3785" data-end="3894">The selected PhD researcher will conduct qualitative fieldwork involving financial actors across Scandinavia.</p> <p data-start="3896" data-end="3920">Research topics include:</p> <ul data-start="3922" data-end="4086"> <li data-section-id="108f0r7" data-start="3922" data-end="3940">Transition bonds</li> <li data-section-id="1g294qq" data-start="3941" data-end="3959">Green taxonomies</li> <li data-section-id="x4y4fq" data-start="3960" data-end="3979">Financial markets</li> <li data-section-id="1f1f1eg" data-start="3980" data-end="3997">Risk management</li> <li data-section-id="tajwdr" data-start="3998" data-end="4023">Future-making practices</li> <li data-section-id="qt95ti" data-start="4024" data-end="4044">Energy transitions</li> <li data-section-id="hn7w17" data-start="4045" data-end="4086">Power dynamics within financial systems</li> </ul> <p data-start="4088" data-end="4110">Fieldwork may include:</p> <ul data-start="4112" data-end="4195"> <li data-section-id="1ou6mr6" data-start="4112" data-end="4124">Interviews</li> <li data-section-id="a1jl4l" data-start="4125" data-end="4150">Participant observation</li> <li data-section-id="7o2rmd" data-start="4151" data-end="4170">Document analysis</li> <li data-section-id="1bwo2v9" data-start="4171" data-end="4195">Stakeholder engagement</li> </ul> <p data-start="4197" data-end="4350">The research aims to improve understanding of how financial systems influence both the opportunities and inequalities emerging during energy transitions.</p> <h1 data-section-id="sg8oyr" data-start="4357" data-end="4378">What You&#8217;ll Receive</h1> <p data-start="4380" data-end="4454">Successful applicants will benefit from numerous opportunities, including:</p> <h2 data-section-id="35niva" data-start="4456" data-end="4487">Fully Paid Doctoral Position</h2> <p data-start="4489" data-end="4585">Candidates receive a <strong data-start="4510" data-end="4528">monthly salary</strong> from Lund University throughout the four-year programme.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1n6ld95" data-start="4587" data-end="4610">Four-Year Employment</h2> <p data-start="4612" data-end="4673">The appointment covers the full duration of doctoral studies.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1h5qavd" data-start="4675" data-end="4714">International Research Collaboration</h2> <p data-start="4716" data-end="4781">Researchers will work with leading scholars in Sweden and Canada.</p> <h2 data-section-id="zp55s1" data-start="4783" data-end="4798">Office Space</h2> <p data-start="4800" data-end="4847">Students receive dedicated workspace at LUCSUS.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1aotept" data-start="4849" data-end="4874">Teaching Opportunities</h2> <p data-start="4876" data-end="4945">Eligible candidates may gain valuable university teaching experience.</p> <h2 data-section-id="fahk0t" data-start="4947" data-end="4974">Professional Development</h2> <p data-start="4976" data-end="4999">The programme provides:</p> <ul data-start="5001" data-end="5180"> <li data-section-id="18i12cv" data-start="5001" data-end="5029">Advanced research training</li> <li data-section-id="xzt8h8" data-start="5030" data-end="5056">International networking</li> <li data-section-id="87d4ds" data-start="5057" data-end="5097">Conference participation opportunities</li> <li data-section-id="141g3l6" data-start="5098" data-end="5130">Academic publishing experience</li> <li data-section-id="10ak9yo" data-start="5131" data-end="5180">Collaboration with policymakers and researchers</li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="1jwi5nr" data-start="5187" data-end="5213">Eligibility Requirements</h1> <p data-start="5215" data-end="5303">Applicants must satisfy the general entry requirements for doctoral education in Sweden.</p> <p data-start="5305" data-end="5335">Applicants should have either:</p> <ul data-start="5337" data-end="5554"> <li data-section-id="18hcmcs" data-start="5337" data-end="5415">A second-cycle qualification (Master&#8217;s degree) before <strong data-start="5393" data-end="5411">1 January 2027</strong>, or</li> <li data-section-id="6ty4kb" data-start="5416" data-end="5511">At least <strong data-start="5427" data-end="5459">240 higher education credits</strong>, including <strong data-start="5471" data-end="5507">60 credits at second-cycle level</strong>, or</li> <li data-section-id="fzmo8i" data-start="5512" data-end="5554">Equivalent international qualifications.</li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="6uehu5" data-start="5561" data-end="5586">Required Qualifications</h1> <p data-start="5588" data-end="5620">Ideal candidates should possess:</p> <ul data-start="5622" data-end="6169"> <li data-section-id="mfmwbf" data-start="5622" data-end="5793">A Master&#8217;s degree in Sustainability Science, Human Geography, Sociology, Political Science, Anthropology, Science and Technology Studies, or a closely related discipline</li> <li data-section-id="hflzlq" data-start="5794" data-end="5838">Strong interest in critical social science</li> <li data-section-id="12cdp0w" data-start="5839" data-end="5902">Demonstrated interest in climate, energy, or finance research</li> <li data-section-id="i5wsuo" data-start="5903" data-end="5947">Experience conducting qualitative research</li> <li data-section-id="9v1hha" data-start="5948" data-end="5986">Excellent written and spoken English</li> <li data-section-id="k8py8z" data-start="5987" data-end="6018">Ability to work independently</li> <li data-section-id="766tpt" data-start="6019" data-end="6101">Ability to collaborate within interdisciplinary and international research teams</li> <li data-section-id="3moouc" data-start="6102" data-end="6169">Willingness to contribute to teaching and departmental activities</li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="3gbguk" data-start="6176" data-end="6200">Desired Qualifications</h1> <p data-start="6202" data-end="6266">Although not mandatory, the following strengthen an application:</p> <ul data-start="6268" data-end="6581"> <li data-section-id="eqz4j8" data-start="6268" data-end="6317">Swedish or another Scandinavian language skills</li> <li data-section-id="104ovpi" data-start="6318" data-end="6350">Knowledge of political economy</li> <li data-section-id="jph6oz" data-start="6351" data-end="6371">Economic sociology</li> <li data-section-id="43i3mf" data-start="6372" data-end="6406">Social constructivist approaches</li> <li data-section-id="3mb250" data-start="6407" data-end="6458">Experience with interviews and discourse analysis</li> <li data-section-id="1skfgi2" data-start="6459" data-end="6491">Stakeholder mapping experience</li> <li data-section-id="f547e2" data-start="6492" data-end="6546">Experience engaging policymakers, NGOs, or investors</li> <li data-section-id="18ckuss" data-start="6547" data-end="6581">Scientific publishing experience</li> </ul> <p data-start="6583" data-end="6680">Applicants are encouraged to apply even if they meet only some of these desirable qualifications.</p> <h1 data-section-id="1p5c3sz" data-start="6687" data-end="6708">Assessment Criteria</h1> <p data-start="6710" data-end="6748">Applicants will be evaluated based on:</p> <ul data-start="6750" data-end="6954"> <li data-section-id="zkk1p7" data-start="6750" data-end="6771">Academic excellence</li> <li data-section-id="1u1vmbr" data-start="6772" data-end="6804">Independent research potential</li> <li data-section-id="19mo07w" data-start="6805" data-end="6817">Motivation</li> <li data-section-id="qc877u" data-start="6818" data-end="6840">Communication skills</li> <li data-section-id="8ts1u9" data-start="6841" data-end="6871">English language proficiency</li> <li data-section-id="6ua2ud" data-start="6872" data-end="6894">Collaboration skills</li> <li data-section-id="1c65m2f" data-start="6895" data-end="6954">Suitability for interdisciplinary sustainability research</li> </ul> <p data-start="6956" data-end="7023">Scandinavian language skills are advantageous but <strong data-start="7006" data-end="7022">not required</strong>.</p> <h1 data-section-id="1hjhazk" data-start="7030" data-end="7053">Application Documents</h1> <p data-start="7055" data-end="7107">Applicants must submit the following electronically:</p> <h3 data-section-id="xqm46i" data-start="7109" data-end="7128">1. Cover Letter</h3> <p data-start="7130" data-end="7165">Maximum <strong data-start="7138" data-end="7153">2,000 words</strong>, including:</p> <ul data-start="7167" data-end="7285"> <li data-section-id="1xm0re8" data-start="7167" data-end="7190">Personal introduction</li> <li data-section-id="19mo07w" data-start="7191" data-end="7203">Motivation</li> <li data-section-id="1v3mt21" data-start="7204" data-end="7229">Relevant qualifications</li> <li data-section-id="17gyeed" data-start="7230" data-end="7255">Interest in the project</li> <li data-section-id="19u3338" data-start="7256" data-end="7285">Proposed research interests</li> </ul> <h3 data-section-id="6lz6mn" data-start="7287" data-end="7296">2. CV</h3> <p data-start="7298" data-end="7329">Maximum <strong data-start="7306" data-end="7317">2 pages</strong>, including:</p> <ul data-start="7331" data-end="7405"> <li data-section-id="1378l5v" data-start="7331" data-end="7352">Academic background</li> <li data-section-id="tsbr2n" data-start="7353" data-end="7374">Research experience</li> <li data-section-id="1s1uu10" data-start="7375" data-end="7405">Publications (if applicable)</li> </ul> <h3 data-section-id="7kuk21" data-start="7407" data-end="7433">3. Degree Certificates</h3> <p data-start="7435" data-end="7473">Academic transcripts and certificates.</p> <h3 data-section-id="mrcb0" data-start="7475" data-end="7488">4. Thesis</h3> <p data-start="7490" data-end="7556">Copies of thesis work totaling at least <strong data-start="7530" data-end="7544">30 credits</strong>, including:</p> <ul data-start="7558" data-end="7612"> <li data-section-id="ul0q9t" data-start="7558" data-end="7579">Master&#8217;s thesis, or</li> <li data-section-id="1ine3lr" data-start="7580" data-end="7612">Master&#8217;s and Bachelor&#8217;s theses</li> </ul> <h3 data-section-id="1xg4w5q" data-start="7614" data-end="7644">5. Professional References</h3> <p data-start="7646" data-end="7712">Names and contact information for <strong data-start="7680" data-end="7711">three professional referees</strong>.</p> <p data-start="7714" data-end="7788">Reference letters are <strong data-start="7736" data-end="7787">not required during the first application stage</strong>.</p> <h1 data-section-id="113ftyy" data-start="7795" data-end="7819">Employment Information</h1> <ul data-start="7821" data-end="8160"> <li data-section-id="18n3fwx" data-start="7821" data-end="7855"><strong data-start="7823" data-end="7839">Institution:</strong> Lund University</li> <li data-section-id="1iqim5v" data-start="7856" data-end="7932"><strong data-start="7858" data-end="7873">Department:</strong> Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies (LUCSUS)</li> <li data-section-id="15ntrzy" data-start="7933" data-end="7961"><strong data-start="7935" data-end="7948">Location:</strong> Lund, Sweden</li> <li data-section-id="1c4r4y" data-start="7962" data-end="8015"><strong data-start="7964" data-end="7984">Employment Type:</strong> Temporary doctoral appointment</li> <li data-section-id="94fc8a" data-start="8016" data-end="8056"><strong data-start="8018" data-end="8039">Employment Level:</strong> Full-time (100%)</li> <li data-section-id="149lpbe" data-start="8057" data-end="8089"><strong data-start="8059" data-end="8074">Start Date:</strong> 1 January 2027</li> <li data-section-id="19egk1r" data-start="8090" data-end="8129"><strong data-start="8092" data-end="8103">Salary:</strong> Monthly salaried position</li> <li data-section-id="zll27q" data-start="8130" data-end="8160"><strong data-start="8132" data-end="8156">Number of Positions:</strong> One</li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="1uh41t7" data-start="8167" data-end="8179">Why Apply?</h1> <p data-start="8181" data-end="8270">This PhD position offers far more than a doctoral degree. It provides the opportunity to:</p> <ul data-start="8272" data-end="8638"> <li data-section-id="74ytgt" data-start="8272" data-end="8315">Conduct impactful sustainability research</li> <li data-section-id="i4a8ol" data-start="8316" data-end="8357">Receive a competitive university salary</li> <li data-section-id="1enrzof" data-start="8358" data-end="8405">Work with internationally recognized scholars</li> <li data-section-id="pomw35" data-start="8406" data-end="8488">Investigate one of today&#8217;s most significant climate and energy policy challenges</li> <li data-section-id="d2ivhl" data-start="8489" data-end="8570">Develop expertise in sustainability governance, finance, and energy transitions</li> <li data-section-id="g0ei4c" data-start="8571" data-end="8638">Join one of Europe&#8217;s leading sustainability research institutions</li> </ul> <p><a href="https://lu.varbi.com/en/what:login/jobID:952097/type:job/apply:1/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Apply Here</strong></a></p> <p data-start="8640" data-end="8814">For aspiring sustainability researchers interested in climate governance, political economy, finance, and just transitions, this represents an exceptional career opportunity.</p> <p data-start="8640" data-end="8814">For more information, visit the<a href="https://lu.varbi.com/en/what:job/jobID:952097/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> official website.</strong></a></p> <p data-start="8640" data-end="8814">Discover more more global research opportunities on OFY, <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=Research" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>VISIT HERE</strong></a></p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/07/13/lund-university-phd-in-sustainability-science-2027-in-sweden-fully-funded-with-salary-apply-for-a-doctoral-research-position-on-just-energy-transitions/">Lund University PhD in Sustainability Science 2027 in Sweden (Fully Funded with Salary): Apply for a Doctoral Research Position on Just Energy Transitions</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>