The University of Valencia is offering two fully funded PhD positions within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network project EPHEMERAL, focusing on rural entrepreneurship and the evolving relationship between entrepreneurs and place. Hosted by the Department of Applied Economics and the Research Institute for Local Development (IIDL), these positions are part of an international, interdisciplinary network designed to train the next generation of rural researchers across Europe.

Research Focus: The EPHEMERAL project investigates how entrepreneurs both shape and are shaped by rural places, with a particular emphasis on the temporal and life-cycle dimensions of entrepreneurial activity. The two PhD projects are:

• PhD 1: Examines how rural social enterprises mobilise resources across networks, sectors, and time, using case studies, qualitative interviews, and social network analysis. Supervision by Dr. Néstor Vercher, Dr. Juan Ramón Gallego, and Dr. Michael Price, with secondments at the University of Groningen (Netherlands) and Northumbria University Newcastle (UK).
• PhD 2: Explores policy support for rural entrepreneurship throughout the venture life-cycle, integrating both social and for-profit enterprises. Research methods include surveys and interviews with policymakers and stakeholders. Supervision by Professor Javier Esparcia, Dr. Néstor Vercher, and Professor Steffen Korsgaard, with secondments at Northumbria University Newcastle (UK) and University Southern Denmark (Denmark).

Both projects involve close collaboration with regional organisations, including FEVECTA and the LEADER Local Action Group TURIA-CALDERONA, as well as the Diputación de Valencia, providing access to a wide network of rural stakeholders and policy actors.

Academic Environment: The University of Valencia is among Spain’s top scientific centres and highly ranked in Business Studies. PhD candidates will enrol in the Doctoral Programme in Local Development and International Cooperation, joining a vibrant, interdisciplinary research team (UDERVAL) with strong links to economics, geography, and sociology. The positions offer international networking, interdisciplinary supervision, and secondments with academic and non-academic partners.

Funding and Benefits: These are fully funded 3-year positions with a competitive salary (EUR 3833.56/month gross, adjusted for Spain), mobility and family allowances, full social security, and coverage of research, training, and networking activities. Six international training weeks and career development support are included.

Eligibility: Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree and must not have resided in Spain for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment. A relevant master’s degree (e.g., sociology, geography, economics, business, political science) is required, with preference for Rural Development. Excellent English and Spanish skills are essential. International applicants are welcome, but must handle visa and degree recognition processes.

Application Process: Submit a detailed CV, motivation letter (including a summary of your master’s thesis and research ideas), certified copies of your bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and the application template by email to Dr. Néstor Vercher ([email protected]) by 6 January 2026. Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed. For more information, contact Dr. Vercher via email.

For full details, visit the position page.