PhD in Sustainability Science on (Dis)orderly Transitions, Financial Sector and Just Energy Transitions Lund University in Sweden

PhD opportunity at Lund University in Sustainability Science, based at Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies (LUCSUS). The project is titled (Dis)orderly transitions: The financial sector's role in shaping just energy transitions and examines how financial actors try to shape an “orderly” transition away from fossil fuels through financial instruments and practices. The research sits at the intersection of critical social science, political economy, economic sociology, energy transitions, and sustainable finance.

The successful PhD candidate will work with Bregje van Veelen at Lund University and collaborate with Amy Janzwood at McGill University. The project includes cases in Scandinavia and North America, with the Lund-based PhD focusing primarily on Scandinavia. Planned methods include qualitative fieldwork such as interviews, participant observation at industry events, and document analysis. The project is especially interested in how financial instruments like transition bonds and green taxonomies shape time horizons, uncertainty, risk distribution, and power in transition processes.

Eligibility: applicants should have a relevant master’s degree or equivalent, strong English skills, and experience with qualitative research. A background or demonstrated interest in climate, energy, finance, political economy, STS, or related critical social science approaches is highly valued. Scandinavian language skills are helpful but not required.

Funding: the position is fully funded for 4 years and includes a salary from the university. Teaching or other departmental duties may be included and would extend the appointment accordingly. The PhD programme comprises 240 credits, including 60 credits of coursework.

Application deadline: 28 August 2026. Apply through the Lund University portal with a cover letter, CV, degree certificates, thesis/theses, and three references.