PhD position in People and Organizations 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 People and Organizations, based at either the Lille or Paris campus. The research project focuses on placardisation (employee shelving), a targeted managerial strategy where employees are sidelined from meaningful work without formal termination. This phenomenon is distinct from workplace incivility or abusive supervision, as it is deliberate and closely linked to institutional contexts with strong employment protections.

The project aims to define placardisation, identify its antecedents and forms, explore managerial motivations, and examine its consequences for all stakeholders. It also investigates how institutional environments influence the emergence of such practices, contributing to broader debates on power, marginalization, and labor protections in organizations. The PhD will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative research, inductive theory building, and empirical testing.

The successful candidate will conduct literature reviews, design and execute qualitative research (such as interviews and process analysis), develop theoretical frameworks and hypotheses, create and validate measurement instruments, and carry out quantitative studies (e.g., surveys). The student will be expected to publish in academic journals and present at international conferences. Supervision will be provided by Dr. Lucas Amaral and Dr. Melvyn Hamstra, with affiliation to the People and Organizations department.

IÉSEG School of Management is AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA accredited, and a member of the Conférence des Grandes Écoles. It is part of the CNRS research lab LEM, which includes about 200 researchers and 100 doctoral students in economics and management. LEM is internationally oriented and offers a dynamic research environment.

Applicants should hold (or be close to completing) an MSc in organizational behavior, human resource management, organizational psychology, or related fields. Strong training in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods is required, along with a clear interest in workplace incivility, marginalization, or inequality. Analytical skills, academic commitment, independence, and collaboration abilities are essential. Fluency in English and strong academic writing skills are mandatory; knowledge of French or prior industry experience is advantageous.

The position is fully funded, with a competitive gross salary (2300€ per month for Lille, 2450€ for Paris), conference funding, and support for relocation and visa. The PhD student will be enrolled in the University of Lille's doctoral program and follow the LEM curriculum. The expected start date is September 2026.

To apply, submit your CV, motivation letter, and statement of academic performance via the recruitment platform. Early applications are encouraged, as candidates will be evaluated as applications are received. The final deadline is May 1, 2026. For further information, contact [email protected].