PhD Fellowship in Social Sciences with a Focus on Economics of the Health Care Sector and Circular Economy at Roskilde University – Roskilde, Denmark

Summary

The Department of Social Sciences and Business (ISE) at Roskilde University invites applications for a three‑year PhD fellowship starting 1 March 2027. The project ROUNDS aims to develop and pilot‑test a procurement framework that incorporates health and environmental externalities for single‑use medical plastics. The fellow will map current procurement practices, create a valuation methodology, engage stakeholders, and apply the framework in two case studies. The position includes full‑time employment, enrolment in the Doctoral School of Social Sciences and Business, 30 ECTS of coursework, teaching duties, and the opportunity to work within an interdisciplinary international team. Applications are due 5 November 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Social Sciences and Business (ISE)
Position Type	PhD fellow
Discipline	Social Sciences
Research Area	Economics of the Health Care Sector and Circular Economy
Degree Required	Master's degree or equivalent
Funding	Fellowship funded under TRACE – A Path to Resilience and the Innovation Fund Denmark
Contract Duration	3 years
Language	English
Deadline	2026-11-05
Required Documents	Cover letter, CV, Documentation of education including grades from Master's programme, Official English translation of diplomas, Description of the master programme, Description of the PhD project (max 5 pages), Time schedule of the PhD project, Documentation of any research experience, work experience or publications
Employer Address	Roskilde Universitet Universitetsvej 1 Postboks 260 4000 Roskilde
Employer Contact	Lena Brogaard, +45 46743353, [email protected]

About the Project

The PhD project, part of the ROUNDS interdisciplinary initiative, seeks to identify, value, and integrate negative externalities of health‑care products into public procurement. By developing a multi‑criteria valuation methodology and pilot‑testing it on single‑use PFAS surgical gowns and PVC infusion sets, the research will produce a practical framework and guide for more sustainable, circular procurement in the Danish health‑care sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Map current procurement practices for single‑use medical products
• Develop a multi‑criteria valuation methodology for health and environmental externalities
• Engage stakeholders and conduct market dialogue
• Apply and pilot‑test the procurement framework in real‑world settings
• Conduct independent research under supervision
• Complete 30 ECTS of coursework
• Participate in teaching and supervision activities

Required Skills

• Strong analytical skills and research potential
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English
• Advanced quantitative and qualitative/mixed‑method methodological skills
• Experience conducting surveys and qualitative interviews
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary project teams
• Relevant knowledge about plastics (asset)

Who Should Apply

Applicants who hold a master’s degree or equivalent in economics, environmental or sustainability sciences, or a related field, and who demonstrate strong analytical abilities, advanced quantitative and qualitative methodological skills, and proficiency in English. Candidates with experience in surveys, qualitative interviews, and an interest or background in plastics and circular economy are especially encouraged to apply.

About the Employer

Roskilde University, located in Roskilde, Denmark, hosts the Department of Social Sciences and Business (ISE) and the Institute for Nature and Environment (INM). The university has approximately 6,900 students, 900 employees, and an annual turnover of DKK 888 million. It offers an international doctoral school with around 47 PhD fellows, providing interdisciplinary training, seminars, and professional development within a collaborative research environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the position start?

The position starts on 1 March 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

What language proficiency is required?

Applicants must have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; Danish is an asset.

How long is the contract?

The contract is limited to a period of three years.

What documents must be submitted?

A cover letter, CV, documentation of education with grades, official English translations of diplomas, a description of the master programme, a PhD project description (max 5 pages), a project time schedule, and any documentation of research or work experience.