PhD position in Marketing: Socioeconomic Inequality and Consumer Moral Evaluation IÉSEG School of Management in France

IÉSEG School of Management and Lille Economics and Management (LEM UMR CNRS 9221) are offering a fully funded PhD position in Marketing at the Paris Campus, focusing on the intersection of socioeconomic inequality and consumer moral evaluation. The research project investigates how socioeconomic status influences the interpretation and moral evaluation of social stereotypes in market contexts, aiming to understand how perceptions of inequality shape consumer judgments about fairness, responsibility, and legitimacy. By integrating consumer behavior, social perception, and moral psychology, the project seeks to advance knowledge on how societal inequalities impact marketplace interactions and moral reasoning.

The PhD is structured as an article-based program, targeting publication in top international journals in marketing and consumer behavior. The research will employ quantitative and experimental methods to explore causal relationships in consumer decision-making. The student will conduct literature reviews, develop theoretical frameworks, design and execute empirical studies, manage and analyze data using statistical software, and disseminate findings through academic publications and conferences.

Supervision will be provided by Dr. Benjamin Boeuf and Dr. Jorge Jacob, with collaborative opportunities involving Dr. Nico Heuvinck. The student will be affiliated with the Marketing and Sales department and will enroll in the PhD program at the University of Lille, supported by IÉSEG. The LEM research unit, comprising CNRS, University of Lille, and IÉSEG, offers a dynamic, international environment with over 200 researchers and 100 doctoral students.

Applicants must hold (or be close to completing) an MSc in a relevant field such as marketing, consumer behavior, psychology, behavioral science, management, quantitative methods, or economics. Essential qualifications include strong analytical and quantitative skills, proficiency in statistical methods, initial knowledge of SPSS or STATA, and fluency in English. Experience with Qualtrics, Zotero, or Mendeley is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate motivation for academic research, commitment to excellence, curiosity, rigor, organization, receptiveness to feedback, and collaborative skills.

The position offers a competitive gross salary (around €2400 per month), support for visa procedures and relocation, and access to resources for innovative research. The PhD student will benefit from a diverse faculty and a vibrant research community. IÉSEG values diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups in academia.

To apply, submit your CV, transcripts, two academic recommendation letters, a sample of previous research work, and a motivation letter via the IÉSEG recruitment platform. Early applications are encouraged, as candidates are evaluated on a rolling basis. The final deadline for applications is April 25th, 2026. For further information, contact the supervisors or the PhD recruitment email provided.