PhD Position in Sustainable Sport Equipment Networks and Circularity (MSCA Doctoral Network SUPER)

The Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network, SUPER (Sustainable Sports and Physical Activity for Equity and Resilience), offers an exciting PhD fellowship at Audencia Business School. This position focuses on radically rethinking how physical activity and sport equipment networks can contribute to fighting climate change through circularity and sustainability. The successful candidate will be registered as a fee-free PhD student at Audencia and enrolled in the SUPER Doctoral Network, with opportunities for secondments in industry and other European academic institutions. The research project centers on circularity in sport equipment supply networks, including sport brands, suppliers, distributors, retailers, consumers, waste management authorities, and charities. The doctoral candidate will investigate how the circular economy concept can transform business models, supply chains, industries, and ecosystems around sport equipment. Special attention will be given to the French AGEC law (Anti-Waste and Circular Economy Law) and the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) networks as part of the European Waste Framework Directive. The candidate will develop concrete propositions for organizations in sport equipment networks to collectively integrate circular economy principles, where by-products and waste from one organization can be used as resources for another. The project includes creating a theoretical model for collaborative and systemic circular sport equipment networks, a practitioner handbook with co-created solutions for circularity, and a systematic literature review to identify and analyze climatic stress and strain indices. Responsibilities include publishing scientific articles for top-tier management and business journals, presenting findings at national and international conferences, contributing to the wider SUPER project, and participating in educational activities within the consortium. The research should culminate in a PhD thesis. Applicants must have a Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline (Management, Business Administration, Sport Sciences, Marketing, Information Systems, Economics, Sociology with a sport management or sustainability focus), excellent academic results, and English proficiency demonstrated by TOEFL or IELTS unless previous studies were in English. Competencies required include open-mindedness, self-awareness, collaboration, critical thinking, teamwork, and strong communication skills. Outstanding performance in the Master thesis or equivalent, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams are essential. Applicants must be available full-time to start in October 2026. Desirable qualifications include GMAT or GRE scores in or above the 85th percentile (not older than five years). MSCA eligibility conditions apply: no prior doctoral degree and limited residency in France before recruitment. The MSCA programme offers competitive and attractive working conditions, including a monthly living allowance (€4010, subject to country correction coefficient), mobility allowance (€710), and family allowance (€660, if applicable). All amounts are subject to tax and contributions. Tuition fees are fully covered. The selection process is open, transparent, merit-based, impartial, and equitable, following the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. It includes eligibility checks, screening, online interviews, and notification of outcomes. To apply, submit your application through the online form on the Audencia Website and complete the diversity form if applying for multiple SUPER positions. Information sessions will be held on March 23, 2026, for interested applicants. For further information, contact Dr Anna Gerke.