PhD in the so­cio­lo­gy of or­ga­niza­tions with a fo­cus on di­gi­ta­liza­tion and di­gi­tal in­clu­sion in the pu­blic sector

Copenhagen Business School, Department of Organization invites applications for a vacant PhD scholarship within the field of organization studies, with a particular focus on digitalization in the public sector. The scholarship is part of the research project “Metoder til digital inklusion” funded by Velux. The project aims to generate new knowledge on the organization of digital inclusion, including on gliding responsibility. It focuses on digital exclusion among long-term incarcerated individuals in Danish prisons, but will extend findings to other marginalized groups. It is based on close collaboration between CBS, the Social Legal Aid Foundation, and the Think tank Justitia and is oriented towards practical interventions and policy recommendations.

We are particularly interested in candidates with a background in sociology, anthropology, sociology of science and technology (STS), or organization studies. The scholarship requires the conduct of empirical fieldwork in and communication with Danish organizations, so the candidate must be able to communicate fluently in Danish/Scandinavian.

Department of Organization (IOA) pursues a problem-oriented, business in society approach to understanding and intervening in organizations and institutions. Our research is driven by an interest in organization as a practical, situated, contested and changing matter. Our approach is interdisciplinary and combines social-scientific traditions such as organization theory, sociology, science and technology studies, political economy, and social psychology in the analysis of organizing processes and their outcomes. Methodologically, we value qualitative research methods highly and often adopt case study, field work methodology or social network analysis.

The teaching possibilities associated with the scholarship comprise undergraduate teaching and supervision in subjects such as organization theory, organizational analysis and qualitative methodology.

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

The three-year PhD programme at CBS gives you the 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. Candidates who wish to join us must 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's research here: www.cbs.dk/ioa. 

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://ufm.dk/en/education/the-danish-education-system/grading-system)
• 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 must be 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. 
• have completed the master's programme before starting the PhD programme at CBS
• master academic English at a high level in writing and speaking
• must be able to communicate in Danish/Scandinavian.

The application must include:

•  A project description (max. 3 pages): We expect candidates to ask for the general project description and write up a research proposal that relates to the overall project, but shows how the candidate will contribute with his/her ideas, theoretical perspectives and methodological reflections.
•  Copies of a Master’s degree certificate or other certificates of a corresponding level.
•  Brief curriculum vitae (CV).
•  A list of papers and publications.
•  One copy of a selected written work (e.g. Master’s thesis).
•  Documentation for English language skills if English is not mother tongue.

In addition to the project description, copies of the following must be included:

• cover letter
• diploma for bachelor's and master's degree or other certificates at an equivalent level as well as the grade transcripts
• documentation for being in the top 40% of the class (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)

The PhD student is 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.

For further information please contact: Associate Professor, Ursula Plesner, up.ioa@cbs.dk. Information about the department may be found at www.cbs.dk/ioa.

Employment and salary
A PhD scholarship runs for a period of three years, and includes teaching obligations corresponding to 416 work hours. The scholarships are fully salaried positions, according to the national Danish collective agreement. The monthly salary is currently approximately DKK 29,691,75 up to DKK 36,180 depending on seniority and a pension contribution totalling 18,07 %. The scholarship includes tuition fees, office space, course and travel costs (according to the current CBS agreement). 

Salary level and employment take place in accordance with the Ministry of Finance's agreement with the Academics' Central Organization.

The preferred starting date are February 2026, or shortly thereafter.

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. 

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.