PhD Scholarships in Economics at the Department of Economics, University of Southern Denmark – Esbjerg, Denmark

Summary

The University of Southern Denmark’s Department of Economics in Esbjerg offers a fully funded PhD scholarship in Environmental and Resource Economics. The successful candidate will enroll in a 5+3 year PhD programme, receive a competitive full‑time salary, and undertake a six‑month research stay abroad. The role involves contributing to the BRAVE project on invasive species, conducting quantitative economic research, publishing a single‑authored paper, and participating in teaching and supervision at undergraduate and graduate levels. Applicants must hold a relevant master’s degree, possess strong quantitative skills (R, Stata), and have excellent English. The department is international, with five research groups, and provides access to a broad network of collaborators.

Key Facts

Position Type	PhD Scholarship
Discipline	Economics
Research Area	Environmental and Resource Economics
Degree Required	Master's degree
Salary	Competitive full-time salary
Funding	Fully funded PhD scholarship
Contract Duration	5+3 years
Language	English
Deadline	2026-11-15
Required Documents	Detailed CV, Certified copy of master’s degree certificate with transcripts, Translations of foreign diplomas (if not in Norwegian, Swedish or English), Motivational letter (max 5 pages), Project description (max 5 pages)
Employer Contact	[email protected]

About the Project

The PhD will contribute to the BRAVE (Biological Invasions Resolved through Adaptable, Versatile, and Engaging Nature‑Based Solutions) project, a Biodiversa+‑funded initiative studying invasive species management, specifically the invasive Pacific oyster in the Wadden Sea. The research focuses on stakeholder preferences, economic valuation, and trade‑offs, applying non‑market valuation and bio‑economic modelling to inform policy.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct high‑quality research within the BRAVE project
• Produce a single‑authored research paper
• Participate in teaching and supervision at undergraduate and graduate levels
• Engage with stakeholders and communicate findings
• Develop independent research questions within project themes

Required Skills

• Strong quantitative and analytical abilities
• Experience with data analysis using R, Stata or similar tools
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Good interpersonal skills for stakeholder engagement

Who Should Apply

Applicants with a relevant master’s degree in Economics, Environmental and Resource Management, Mathematics and Economics, or related fields, who have strong quantitative and analytical skills, proficiency in R or Stata, excellent English, and an interest in environmental and resource economics.

Benefits

• Fully funded PhD scholarship
• Competitive full‑time salary determined by collective agreement
• Six‑month research stay abroad
• International research environment
• Access to postdoctoral researchers and research assistants
• Opportunity to develop independent research topics

About the Employer

The Department of Economics at the University of Southern Denmark is an international department with a strong tradition of excellence in research and teaching across economics. It is organized into five research groups, including Environmental and Resource Economics, and offers a collaborative environment with access to postdoctoral researchers, research assistants, and an international network of collaborators.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is 15 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST.

What documents must be submitted?

A detailed CV, certified copy of the master’s degree with transcripts, translations of any foreign diplomas, a motivational letter (max 5 pages), and a project description (max 5 pages).

What is the language of instruction and work?

The working language is English.

Is knowledge of Danish required?

Knowledge of Danish or another Scandinavian language is advantageous but not required.

What salary will be paid?

Salary is competitive, full‑time, and determined according to the applicable collective agreement.