Ph.D. Position in Corporate Finance: Governance and Cybersecurity Risk

IÉSEG School of Management, in partnership with LEM (UMR CNRS 9221) at the University of Lille, is offering a fully funded PhD position in Corporate Finance, with a special emphasis on Corporate Governance and Cybersecurity Risk. This position is based in Lille, France, and provides an exciting opportunity to explore the intersection of digital risk and governance in modern corporations. The project will focus on how firms anticipate, manage, and communicate about cybersecurity threats, and how governance mechanisms such as board composition and stakeholder monitoring influence strategic responses to these risks. The research is empirical in nature, utilizing large-scale corporate and financial data and modern quantitative methods, with flexibility for the student to define specific research angles in collaboration with the supervisor. The successful candidate will join the Finance Department at IÉSEG School of Management and be affiliated with LEM, a dynamic and internationally oriented research unit. Supervision will be provided by Dr. Mohammed Zakriya, Associate Professor of Finance. The research environment is vibrant, with regular seminars, structured doctoral training, and generous funding for attending international conferences. The working language is English, and the student will be enrolled in the University of Lille’s PhD program, participating in activities organized by LEM and the SESAM Doctoral School. Applicants should hold or be close to completing a Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Econometrics, or a related quantitative field. A strong background in corporate finance and empirical methods is required, along with an interest in governance, risk management, and cybersecurity. Experience with statistical software (Stata, R, Python), empirical data analysis, and textual analysis is highly valued. Excellent English proficiency and research potential are essential. Prior exposure to governance or risk topics, and experience with financial databases or textual data analysis, are advantageous but not mandatory. The position offers a competitive gross salary of 2300€/month for a 3-year fixed-term contract, with the possibility of extension. The PhD student will have access to university facilities, libraries, and restaurants. The anticipated start date is September/October 2026 or January 2027, with some flexibility. Applications must include a CV, transcripts, two academic recommendation letters, a sample of research work, and a motivation letter. The deadline for applications is May 1, 2026. For further information, contact Dr. Mohammed Zakriya at [email protected] or the general PhD recruitment office at [email protected]. Apply online via the IÉSEG recruitment platform. This is an excellent opportunity for motivated candidates interested in the empirical study of corporate finance, governance, and digital risk in a supportive and international academic environment.