Lille Economics and Management (LEM, CNRS UMR 9221) and IÉSEG School of Management invite applications for a fully funded Ph.D. position in Alternative Organizational Forms at its Lille Campus.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The doctoral researcher will contribute to a project that aims to examine how the internal communication of alternative organizations prioritizing social goals over profit both shapes and is shaped by the political context in which these organizations operate. Despite existing research on how alternative organizations engage in societal transformation, limited attention has been paid to the mechanisms and conditions through which internal communication enables or constrains member involvement in these processes. To shed light on how interactions among members and between members and staff members shape and are shaped by an organization’s political positioning, the project intends to examine a selected set of case studies, including the “Park Slope Food Coop” in New York. The doctoral researcher will receive continued mentorship from the professors and will be expected to disseminate research by submitting academic manuscripts to conferences and top journals in the field of management and organization studies.

The doctoral researcher will join a dedicated research team to conduct high-quality research under the supervision of Professors Benjamin HUYBRECHTS (IÉSEG) and Frédéric DUFAYS (HEC Liège / KU Leuven) and Joost LUYCKX (IÉSEG). These professors have several research projects on “alternative organizations”, i.e., organizations such as cooperatives and social enterprises that exhibit values, modes of exchange, work, ownership and practices that do not follow the logic of capitalist accumulation and profit maximization concentrated in private ends. They have published their research in international journals such as Academy of Management Annals, Academy of Management Discoveries, Journal of Management, Organization Studies, Journal of Management Studies, Organization, and Journal of Business Ethics, among others.

 ABOUT IÉSEG SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT 

• IÉSEG is AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA accredited and is a member of the “Conférence des Grandes Écoles.” 

• The IÉSEG Research Center is accredited by the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS). 

• IÉSEG’s faculty is very diverse with more than 40 different nationalities represented. 

ABOUT LILLE ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT (LEM) 

• LEM is a research unit associating the CNRS (National Center for Scientific Research), the University of Lille and the Catholic University of Lille  

• LEM comprises about 150 researchers and 100 doctoral students in economics, management and statistics.  

• Research at LEM is multi-disciplinary in economics and management and is centered on societal issues. 

• LEM is a young, internationally oriented and dynamic laboratory with a strong scientific ambition. 

QUALIFICATIONS  

• Have an MSc. (or be close to completion) in a relevant field such as Management, Economics, Sociology, Political Science, Communication Science, (Business) History or a related discipline.

• A good knowledge of qualitative research methods (comparative case study research, ethnographic methods, grounded theory approaches, …).

• Strong analytical skills, a commitment to research excellence and a profound interest to do high-quality academic research with added value for society.

• Fluent in English; ability to write high-standard text in English.

• Dynamic, pro-active, creative and serious personality.

• Capacity to work in a team.

WORKING CONDITIONS  

The selected candidate is expected to begin the Ph.D. student role in September 2026. Gross salary will be competitive with other European research and academic institutions (2300€/month). The Ph.D. student role will be based in Lille (on the site of IÉSEG School of Management). The selected candidate will be responsible for enrolling in a Ph.D. program at the University of Lille, with support from IESEG. The Ph.D. student will follow the LEM PhD program (co-organized by the University of Lille and IESEG). The Ph.D. student role will also be provided with the support and resources to engage in innovative, societally relevant research projects. The Ph.D. student will receive assistance with housing search, visa, and relocation.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE 

Interested candidates must send their application (consisting of a CV, motivation letter, master thesis or other writing sample and statement of academic performance) through this platform. To submit your application, please click on "apply" and follow the submission process. 

For any further question, please contact us by e-mail to phd.recruitment@ieseg.fr.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Early applications are encouraged, as candidates will be evaluated as applications are received. The final deadline for applications is May 15th, 2026.

We will begin considering candidates immediately and will continue until the position is filled. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.