Two PhD positions in the governance of natural resources and sustainability for a just and fair energy transition

Two PhD positions in the governance of natural resources and sustainability for a just and fair energy transition, at the Department of Management, Society and Communication at Copenhagen Business School

Copenhagen Business School (CBS) invites applications for two PhD positions in governance of natural resources and sustainability for a just and fair energy transition at the Department of Management, Society and Communication (MSC).

Both PhD positions (project A and project B) form part of work packages under the research project ‘Frontiers of natural resource and sustainability governance for a just energy transition’ (FRONTIERS).

At an overall level, FRONTIERS aims to advance knowledge for a just and fair transition, which involves and respects those (such as communities or individuals) who are at risk or in practice adversely affected by mining of minerals for the green transition. Comprising four complementary work packages and a focus on land-based and potential deep-sea mining as a field of natural resource exploration, we will explore effects of risk-based due diligence demands for the industry; industry and investors practices; and potentially complementary normative ideas related to the rights of nature. Ultimately, the project seeks to develop insights that may support a comprehensive assessment of eco-system impacts as an aspect of risk-based due diligence for mining of minerals for the transition and investments in the industry and the value chain, including the solar and wind power and energy storage industries. Some fieldwork in mining countries and/or with relevant industries is envisaged. Please see https://frontiers.cbs.dk/ for details.

The central objective of PhD project A is to explore and advance our understanding of the effects of legal requirements on risk-based due diligence in value chains and non-financial reporting (disclosure) with regard to transition minerals mining. As part of this, the project should explore what factors, including in legal demands and organisational practices, are conducive to adequately identifying and preventing social, environmental and wider eco-system harm or risks, including in multi-tier supply chains in complex settings for environmental and social impacts. Research can, for example, address:

• An exploration of policy objectives in home or host countries for mining industry and in the European Union (EU) in regard to processes for companies to identify risks or actual societal harm and manage such risks or harm;
• An exploration or mapping of legislative texts from selected countries and administrative guidance on risk-based due diligence related to social, environmental and wider eco-system risks and harm related to the mining industry and its green energy value chains;
• An exploration of company needs and preferences for risk-based due diligence demands from governments and the private sector (including investors) for impact assessments of societal risks;
• An exploration of risk-based due diligence uptake in one or more companies in the mining industry and/or green energy companies, and cascading of due diligence along the value chain;
• Lessons that may be learnt or passed on from due diligence and responsible business conduct in land-based mining towards deep-sea mining.

The central objective of PhD project B is to explore and advance our understanding of how institutional investors apply risk-based due diligence for human rights and the environment in decisions on investment in companies involved in extracting minerals relevant for the energy transition and the supply chains for such minerals. As part of this, the project should explore how institutional investors seek to shape practices in the investment chain for land-based transition minerals and potential expansion into the deep seas to identify and prevent social, environmental and wider eco-system risks and harm.

Research can, for example, address:

• how institutional investors apply risk-based due diligence demands to understand about risks of or actual societal harm related to their investments in the transition mining industry
• how institutional investors seek to shape the investment chain’s conduct in order to prevent and manage harmful societal impacts, including through impact assessments and deployment of their influence/leverage;
• how institutional investors seek to advance cascading of risk-based due diligence awareness and practices along mining value chains;
• how institutional investors apply due diligence demands to ensure that affected stakeholders who host or live near transition minerals mines are meaningfully engaged in decision-making on the mining:
• In regard to assessment of societal impacts and deployment of risk-based due diligence, what lessons may be learnt or passed on from institutional investors’ practices in regard to land-based mining towards deep-sea mining, including for comprehensive impact assessment.

PhD project B is expected to be undertaken in close collaboration with at least one Danish institutional investor with a leading role in risk-based due diligence and sustainable investing.

All applicants are invited to explore the governance of natural resources and sustainability for a just and fair energy transition as a complex and contested societal process, which involves interaction and potential conflicts or tension between various actors (e.g., policy-makers, regulators, business, affected stakeholders, investors, civil society in different regions, countries or local areas) and perceived needs and challenges for effective governance of relevant industries, geographical locations, local and eco-system impacts, etc. 

Applicants are required to develop, and submit with their application, a theoretically grounded research proposal with a clear empirical focus on issues, trends and challenges related to the governance of natural resources and sustainability for a just and fair energy transition, as described under PhD projects A and B above (see information on page numbers and other formal requirements below). We welcome applicants with diverse disciplinary backgrounds in the social and human sciences, such as business and management studies; law and socio-legal studies; political science; sociology; anthropology. In addition to a social science background, it a background or experience within mining, geology, geography, environmental studies and/or ocean biology can be an advantage.

It must be clearly indicated in the cover letter as well as the project proposal if the application concerns PhD project A or PhD project B. If an applicant wishes to apply for both positions, a separate project description must be submitted for each.

Both PhD fellows will be part of the FRONTIERS research team. In the project description to be submitted with the application, the applicant must explain how their project will contribute to the aims of the FRONTIERS project. Each PhD fellow will also be a member of the MSC’s Centre for Sustainbility and/or Centre for Business and Development Studies (https://www.cbs.dk/en/research/departments-and-centres/department-of-man... ).

MSC carries out multidisciplinary research on the relationship between business and society. Its faculty explore the conditions and practices of responsible management, organisation and governance in a globalising world, sharing a particular concern with culture, communication and context as lenses to understand the interaction and interdependencies of business and society. MSC’s contribution to the study of responsible business and governance is organised around various research environments.

Further information about the research environments at the department is available here: https://www.cbs.dk/en/research/departments-and-centres/department-of-management-society-and-communication/research/research-environments

The three-year PhD programme at CBS offers an opportunity to conduct research under the supervision of CBS’s associate professors and professors, supported by research related PhD courses. The programme is highly international, and you are expected to participate in international research conferences and to spend time at another research institution as a visiting PhD student. See the CBS homepage for more information about the PhD programme, https://www.cbs.dk/en/research/phd-programme .  

CBS PhD graduates are held in high esteem not only in academia and research institutions but also in government and business where their research qualifications are in high demand.

CBS is committed to ensuring excellence, transformative and relevant teaching and research. Applicants who wish to join us should be interested in working in an organisation of this type and it is expected that the applicant shows an interest in joining the department's research environment. You can read more about the department at: www.cbs.dk/msc . 

Because of our department’s commitment to ensuring an environment of diversity and inclusion, we seek PhD fellows who demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment.

Application and admission requirements

The department will give priority to applicants with high grades from their universities.

To be considered the applicant must

• have a basic education at master's level (corresponding to the 3 + 2 Bologna process)
• have received the grade of 10 (or equivalent) for the master's thesis according to the Danish 7-point grading scale (https://eng.uvm.dk/general-overview/7-point-grading-scale )
• have a weighted grade point average of at least 8.2 on the Danish 7-point grading scale for the bachelor's and master's degree combined or alternatively a weighted grade point average of at least 9.5 for the master's degree alone. If the grade point average is not met, documentation for being in the top 40% of the class is also accepted. In rare cases, the grade requirement can be waived.
• have an educational background in the social sciences. This may be complemented by education in other scientific fields, e.g. geology, geography or biology.
• have completed the master's programme before starting the PhD programme at CBS
• master academic English at a high level in writing and speaking.

The application (see link below) must include a cover letter and a five-page project description (maximum 2,000 words excluding references). The project description should clearly state whether it relates to PhD A or PhD B noted above. The project description must include:

• a presentation of an original research question
• a description of the initial theoretical framework and method
• a presentation of the proposed empirical material
• a work plan for the three years

More information is available here: https://www.cbs.dk/en/research/phd-programmes/admission

In addition to the project description, copies of the following are to be included in the application:

• diploma for bachelor's and master's degree or other certificates at an equivalent level
• grade transcripts
• documentation for being in the top 40% of the class (only if grade requirements are not met)
• a concise curriculum vitae (CV)
• a list of articles and publications (if applicable)
• one example of a selected written work (e.g. master's thesis)
• documentation of English language skills.

One of CBS’ strategic goals is the promotion of diversity, which is why every effort has been made to ensure a recruitment process that reduces potential bias. Applicants are therefore encouraged not to include a photo or unnecessary personal information in their application.

The position is based in Copenhagen. Each PhD fellow is expected to be working in Copenhagen except for field work and international exchanges that form part of the fellow’s PhD project and fulfilment of PhD regulations.

Both PhD fellows will be enrolled in the CBS PhD School. Further information about PhD scholarships and the PhD programme can be found at https://www.cbs.dk/en/research/phd-programme .

Indicative start date: 1 September 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

For further information regarding the position please contact principal investigator for the FRONTIERS project, Professor Karin Buhmann, email [email protected] ; or Head of Department Dorte Salskov-Iversen, email dsi.msc@cbs .dk. For further information regarding the process please contact HR Coordinator Rikke Petersen, email rpe.msc@ cbs.dk

Employment and salary
A PhD scholarship runs for a period of three years and includes teaching obligations equivalent to six months’ work (840 work hours). The scholarships are fully salaried positions, according to the national Danish collective agreement. The monthly salary is currently approximately DKK 28,897 up to DKK 34,898 depending on seniority, and a pension contribution totalling 17.1%. The scholarship includes tuition fees, office space, course and travel costs (according to the current CBS agreement). Salary level and employment are in accordance with the Ministry of Finance’s agreement with the Academics’ Central Organization.

Recruitment procedure 

The Recruitment Committee shortlists at least two-five applicants to be assessed by the Assessment Committee. Applicants are informed whether their application has proceeded for assessment.

Applicants selected for assessment will be notified about the composition of the Assessment Committee and will receive their personal assessment later. Selected applicants will be invited for an interview. Please note that a positive assessment does not automatically result in an interview. Once the recruitment process is completed each applicant will be notified of the outcome of their application. 

The application must be sent via the online link below. 

Application deadline: Monday 22 April 2023

Copenhagen Business School must receive all application material, including all appendices (see above), by the application deadline.

Details about Copenhagen Business School are available at www.cbs.dk/en .

Closing date: 22 April 2024.

Apply online

CBS is a globally recognised business school with deep roots in the Nordic socio-economic model. Our faculty has a broad focus on societal challenges, and we have earned a reputation for high-quality disciplinary and interdisciplinary research and education. 

We are located at Frederiksberg and have approximately 20,000 full and part-time students, 800 full-time faculty members, 200 PhD students and 700 administrative staff, and a full portfolio of bachelor, master, MBA/EMBA, PhD and executive programmes taught in English and Danish. 

Our global profile carries the obligation to address critical challenges in our research and to develop the transformational capabilities of students, graduates and business leaders via our educational activities and opportunities for lifelong learning. Complex challenges call for joint action, and therefore our strategy focuses on strengthening current and starting new partnerships with other sciences, the business community, authorities and civil society.

CBS is working continuously on becoming a diverse and inclusive organisation, and we encourage all regardless of gender identity and expression, ethnicity, religious beliefs, LGBT+ status, cultural background etc. to apply.
Reach out to us if you need assistance in the application or recruitment process, if there is something we should know, or if as a person with disability you wish to make use of your preferential access.