Overview
Join to apply for the Predoctoral Researcher Funding Contract role at IQS Barcelona. This three-year scholarship funds a PhD in the Business and Territorial Competitiveness, Innovation and Sustainability program (CETIS) at the IQS School of Management, Universitat Ramon Llull (Barcelona, Spain). The selected candidate will receive a full-time employment contract with an annual gross stipend of approximately €22,000 and full coverage of doctoral tuition fees for the three-year period, starting January 2026. The doctoral thesis will be supervised by Dr. Mihály Tamás Borsi (Department of Economics and Finance) and Dr. Rafael González Olmos (Department of Chemical Engineering and Material Science). The candidate will work within SEE (Sustainability, Economics and Ethics Research Group) and GESPA (Engineering and Simulation of Environmental Processes Group).
What is the general project?
The project investigates Transport emissions inequality and the harmonization of Low Emission Zones (LEZs) in the EU. It examines how LEZ policies, while reducing local pollution, may affect regional disparities in environmental quality and public health, potentially displacing polluting vehicles to peripheral areas. The project has three core objectives:
(i) construct and analyze indicators of emissions inequality across regions;
(ii) assess environmental effectiveness and distributive fairness of LEZ frameworks in Spain and the EU;
(iii) generate empirical evidence to inform harmonization of LEZ regulations at the European level.
The project is highly data-driven and interdisciplinary, blending economics and environmental sciences. Key methodological components include data assembly on vehicle registrations, environmental indicators, advanced econometrics, life cycle assessment (LCA), and experimental research on consumer behavior.
Key responsibilities
The doctoral researcher will be based at IQS School of Management (Barcelona) and will conduct core research toward the PhD thesis within the project. Responsibilities include advanced data processing and analysis, indicator development, contributions to environmental and behavioral research components, participation in training activities and seminars with SEE and GESPA, and potential light teaching assistance.
Requirements
We invite applications from candidates with a strong academic background and demonstrated interest in sustainability, transport policy, environmental data analysis, or related fields. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree (MSc) in economics, data science, environmental studies, engineering, or related social/applied sciences. Ideal candidates should have:
* Strong data processing skills, including database management and applied statistics
* Solid quantitative methods background (econometrics, panel data, statistical computing)
* Experience in statistical programming and data processing (Excel, Stata, MATLAB, Python, or similar)
Valued (but not mandatory) qualifications:
* Basic knowledge of life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology and LCA software (SimaPro, OpenLCA, GABI, Brightway2)
* Interest in behavioral research or experimental design
Prospective candidates are invited to submit a proposal and brief work plan outlining their research interests and how their background could contribute to the project. Proposals with innovative ideas on addressing transport-related environmental inequalities are especially valued.
Applications must include the following documents and be submitted no later than 28 September, 2025 :
* Project proposal and work plan with title, project summary (max 100 words), detailed work plan (max 2,000 words), and dissemination plan
* Academic transcripts for all university degrees and courses
* Letter of motivation
* Two letters of recommendation (at least one academic)
* Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS or equivalent)
Other information
If you have any questions, contact Dr. Borsi ( ) or Dr. González Olmos ( ). Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview. Final decisions will be communicated around 31 October 2025. The selected candidate is expected to enroll in the doctoral program within three months of acceptance, with an anticipated start date of January 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
We are an equal opportunity employer. We promote equality and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law. We especially welcome applications from female candidates as they are underrepresented in this field at our School.
IQS also aims to promote scientific and technological knowledge, business transformation and societal progress. We look for professionals committed to these values.
Senioritiy level
* Not Applicable
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Research, Engineering, and Science
* Industries:
Higher Education, Biotechnology Research, and Business Consulting and Services
Note:
This listing may include references to related or similar roles to illustrate context. If you are not applying to this specific position, please disregard.
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