PhD in Complex Systems for Societal and Technological Transitions IE University in Spain

IE University invites applications for fully funded PhD positions in the new PhD in Complex Systems for Societal and Technological Transitions, based at the IE School of Science & Technology in Madrid, Spain.

This doctoral program is designed for researchers interested in complex systems, artificial intelligence, data science, computational social science, and the broader study of societal and technological transitions. The program connects science, technology, and society to address real-world challenges such as climate change and sustainability, digital transformation, health, mobility, robotics and automation, resilient societies, and networks.

IE University highlights an international and interdisciplinary academic environment, drawing on the wider IE ecosystem, including IE Business School. The program is especially suited to doctoral candidates who want to combine systems thinking, computational methods, and interdisciplinary research with meaningful societal impact.

Eligible applicants should hold, or expect to complete before joining, a relevant master’s degree in areas such as computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, mathematics, physics, engineering, robotics, economics, computational social science, environmental science, or health sciences. Strong analytical or quantitative skills are important, and prior experience with programming, modelling, data analysis, simulation, network science, or empirical research will be an advantage.

Funding is comprehensive: successful candidates receive a four-year employment contract, a gross annual salary of €28,000, full coverage of PhD tuition fees, Social Security coverage, and access to Spain’s public healthcare system.

The application deadline is 25 August 2026, and the advertised start date is October 2026. Interested candidates should apply via the official program page and review the university’s instructions carefully before submitting materials.