PhD scholarship in Business & Government at Copenhagen Business School

Copenhagen Business School invites applications for a PhD scholarship at the Department of International Economics, Government and Business (EGB). The expected starting date is February 1, 2027.

EGB is a multidisciplinary department that conducts high-quality research in the fields of international business and political science. This research has direct relevance to business, policymakers, and the broader public while also addressing contemporary societal challenges.

Applicants for the PhD scholarship should submit a research proposal that addresses the role of business interests in politics. Relevant topics include, but are not limited to: the non-market strategies used by firms, lobbying, campaign finance, political connections, corruption, and interactions between political decision-makers, including bureaucrats, and business organizations or firms. Applicants should have proven competence in quantitative methods.

To learn more about the research and teaching profile of the department, please visit the departmental webpage here. You should also consult the EGB PhD page here. Applicants should consider the overall contribution they can make to the department’s research environment.

The three-year PhD programme at CBS gives candidates the opportunity to conduct research under the supervision of CBS faculty, supported by research-related PhD courses. The programme is highly international, and candidates will be expected to participate in international research conferences and research visits abroad. Applicants should also be ready to undertake a range of teaching activities.

See the CBS homepage for more information about the PhD programme, here. Candidates may also wish to consult the CBS PhD Handbook.

CBS PhD graduates are not only highly regarded in higher education and research institutions but also in government and business where their research qualifications are in increasing demand. Recent EGB graduates have secured positions in leading universities, consultancies, and government agencies.

Application and admission requirements

To be considered, the applicant should:

• Have a weighted grade point average of at least 8.2 on the Danish 7-point grading scale for the bachelor's and master's degree combined, or, alternatively, a weighted grade point average of at least 9.5 for the master's degree alone. If the grade point average is not met, documentation for being in the top 40% of the class is also accepted. In rare cases, the grade requirement can be waived. The department will give preference to applicants with excellent grades from their universities.
• Have received a grade of 10 (or equivalent) for the Master's thesis according to The Danish 7-point Grading System.
• Have a Master's degree corresponding to the 3 + 2 Bologna process (120 ECTS points / 2-year M.Sc. requirement).
• Have completed the Master's programme before starting the PhD programme at CBS. Please note: The applicant may apply for enrolment before the completion of the Master’s degree. In this case, enrolment will be conditional upon the Master’s degree being successfully completed by the time of enrolment.
• Have an educational background in the social sciences.
• Have a command of academic English at a very high level. If the applicant’s Master's thesis was written in English, this will be considered sufficient evidence.

The project and the application

Applicants are invited to submit proposals for potential PhD projects. These plans, which may not exceed five pages, should be structured around specific research questions. Furthermore, they should incorporate a brief explanation of the project's aims; a positioning of the project within an appropriate research field; a description of the research literature already published within that field and the ways in which the project will add to that literature; an outline and explanation of the theories and conceptual frameworks that could be included; an outline and explanation of the methods that might be used; and a brief plan of the work to be undertaken, describing its main phases. Further information can be found here.

In addition to the project description, copies of the following must be included:

• Diploma for bachelor's and master's degree, or other certificates at an equivalent level, as well as grade transcripts.
• Documentation for being in the top 40% of the class (if grade requirements are not met).
• A concise curriculum vitae (CV).
• A list of articles and publications (if applicable).
• One example of a selected written work (e.g., master's thesis).

Following an offer of employment, the successful applicant must be enrolled in the CBS PhD School, and the offer is conditional upon this enrollment. Further information about CBS PhD scholarships and the PhD programme can be found here.

Employment and salary

A PhD scholarship runs for a period of three years and includes teaching obligations corresponding to 416 working hours. The scholarships are fully salaried positions, according to the national Danish collective agreement. The monthly salary is currently approximately DKK 31.624 up to DKK 38.213, depending on seniority, and a pension contribution totaling 18.07%. The scholarship includes tuition fees, office space, course and travel costs, according to the current CBS agreement.

Salary level and employment take place in accordance with the Ministry of Finance's agreement with the Academics' Central Organization.

Recruitment procedures

The Recruitment Committee shortlists selected applicants, whose applications are then considered by an Assessment Committee. Applicants are informed whether their application has proceeded to this stage. Those whose applications are submitted to the Assessment Committee will be notified about its composition and will, at a later stage, be sent a copy of the assessment that has been made.

A number of those assessed as qualified for the position will then be invited to an online recruitment interview.

Applicants will be kept informed of their status and the eventual outcome during the recruitment process. Please find guidelines and further information on scholarships and the Doctoral Programme here.

The application must be sent via the electronic recruitment system. Copenhagen Business School must receive all application material, including all appendices (see items above), ahead of the deadline: 15 August 2026.

There will be an online briefing meeting to provide further information and answer questions about the post. Details can be obtained from, or questions can be directed to, EGB’s PhD Coordinator Eddie Ashbee (ea.egb@cbs.dk).

Details about Copenhagen Business School and the department are available at www.cbs.dk.