About the opportunity
At the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Aalborg University Business School, we invite applications for an ambitious PhD position in business economics focusing on strategic partnerships and green transitions in port ecosystems. The position is open for appointment from 15th October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter and runs for three years. The PhD project addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing contemporary port ecosystems: how ports can develop new strategic roles in support of the green transition. The project will explore how ports move beyond traditional functions and develop new strategic roles to become active platforms for collaboration across logistics, energy systems, industrial development, and regional transformation. During the three years of employment, you will be part of the research environment at Aalborg University Business School and contribute to teaching activities amounting to approximately 600 hours, complete PhD courses equivalent to 30 ECTS, and undertake an external research stay.
Salary and benefits
- Salary and terms of employment in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement)
- Affiliation with the research group Strategy, Organisation and Management and the Strategic Management Lab at Aalborg University Business School
- Access to seminars, methods training, and opportunities for international collaboration
Who can apply?
- Hold a relevant master's degree, for example in organization and management, strategy, supply chain management, innovation studies, business administration, or related social science fields
- Must have achieved the grade 10 or above in the Danish grading system (or the equivalent in a different grading system) for the Master's Thesis/final exam
- Solid qualitative methodological skills and prior experience with qualitative data collection and analysis
- Proficiency in written and spoken Danish and English
Required documents
- Application, stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Diplomas (bachelor's and master's degree diploma, including grades)
- Project description (approx. 5 pages)
- Official language test scores if planning to complete a thesis in English without English as a first language or an English-language Master's degree (IELTS: 7, TOEFL paper-based: 600, TOEFL internet-based: 100)
- Other relevant documents
When to apply
- Deadline: 01.09.2026
- Position open for appointment from 15th October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter
How to apply
- Prepare all required application documents including project description, CV, diplomas, and language test scores if applicable
- Submit the application via Aalborg University's recruitment system under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website
Additional information
- Reference number: 2026/936
- There is a mutual probationary period of 3 months for the position
- Shortlisting will be applied in the recruitment process
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- You hold a Master's degree in a relevant social science field with high academic achievement (grade 10 or equivalent).
- You have solid qualitative methodological skills and experience with data collection.
- You are proficient in both Danish and English.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role is on-site in Aalborg, requiring relocation if you are not local.
- You must be prepared for a significant teaching commitment of approximately 600 hours over three years.
- There is a three-month mutual probationary period to consider.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This PhD position offers a chance to engage with the critical intersection of business economics and the green transition. It is an excellent fit for someone aiming to build expertise in strategic management within the context of industrial and regional transformation.
Our take
Candidates with strong qualitative research skills and an interest in port ecosystems should apply, while those who do not meet the specific grade requirements or language proficiency standards will not be eligible.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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