PhD Positions Management, Finance and Economics

Start date: Full Time, September 4 2023 

About HEC Paris:

HEC Paris, founded in 1881, consistently ranks among the top research institutions in business, specialized in education and research in management. As a leading academic institution in Europe and worldwide, HEC Paris offers a complete range of selective programs for students and business leaders. The HEC Paris Faculty is dedicated to pushing the frontier of knowledge by actively engaging in research, publishing articles in top academic journals with an international audience and participating in national and international academic conferences.

Every leading business school or university recruits its professors on the basis of their groundbreaking research and publications in the leading research journals. The HEC Paris PhD Program prepares students for this challenge. It offers the training needed to enter the demanding world of academia. Built on a strategy of excellence, it aims to attract students with the highest level of academic ambition. The hallmarks of our program are intensive coursework, close supervision, and full immersion in the school’s research activities. 

The PhD Positions (Job Description)

The HEC PhD program is a full-time program, taught 100% in English, that prepares students for a career in research and academia. This requires in-depth knowledge of a particular field of management research, solid training in research methods, as well as hands-on experience in collecting and analyzing data, writing and presenting papers, academic networking and publishing research. 

A two-phase curriculum

The HEC Paris PhD Program is an integrated PhD Program structured in two phases: 

1. Research Master phase 

The first two years of the PhD program are aimed at providing students with a strong basis to conduct research at the highest level. The phase is built around four pillars: 

• Foundations in Management and Research Methods
• Specialization in a Management Discipline 
• Research Seminars, Tutorial, Summer Paper, Research Thesis 
• Professional Development  

2. Doctoral Studies phase

During the doctoral studies phase, students work on their research paper-based dissertation and may take additional courses. They are encouraged to present their research projects at national and international academic conferences. Most students spend time as a visiting student at a top university or business school abroad to build an academic network, work with co-authors, and receive feedback on their research.  

During the PhD journey, students are fully integrated into the research ecosystem of the School and greatly contribute to the publication output of the school. They work closely with their tutor/supervisor but also with the Faculty of their department and across departments. 

The student chooses to work in one of the below research areas: 

• Accounting and Management Control
• Economics and Decision Sciences
• Finance
• Information Systems and Operations Management
• Law and Regulation (see specific PhD position)
• Management and Human Resources
• Marketing
• Strategy and Business Policy 

Who we look for

Built on a strategy of excellence, the HEC Paris PhD Program, known for its small size, aims to attract outstanding and motivated future PhD students with a clear ambition to become top researchers in international academic institutions. 

We welcome applications from candidates of all nationalities who 

• hold a university degree in any field
• are fluent in English
• have an outstanding academic record
• are highly motivated to study at one of the world's best research business schools.

How to apply

A two-step application process: 

• Evaluation of applications and selection of shortlisted applicants. The shortlist is published approximately 2 - 3 weeks after the application deadline.
• Interview of shortlisted applicants (in-person or online). Admission results are published within 5 - 6 weeks after the application deadline. 

All applicants are required to follow our online application process. To apply, click the 'Apply' button. 

A complete application should include the following: 

• Degree certificate(s) or current enrollment certificate
• All official academic transcripts obtained in a higher education institution
• Personal statement motivating your choice of pursuing a PhD in your chosen specialization
• Résumé (CV)
• Optional Research material that may support your application (dissertation, paper, research work, ...)
• GMAT or GRE official test score report 
• TOEFL or IELTS or Cambridge test score report*
• 2 completed online reference forms from professors
• Proof of ID
• Non-refundable application fee of €60. 

* English test exemption is granted to:

• Native English speakers
• Applicants who studied a university degree of minimum two years in English may apply for exemption 

Application deadline: 16 April 2023. 

Financing and conditions

Every admitted student (without any condition of academic background or nationality) will benefit for up to 5 years from:

• Living stipend: 25000€/year*
• Tuition: 100% exemption
• Additional funding for visiting positions
• Additional funding for research project. 

The financing is conditional on academic progress and will be evaluated in June of every year. Remaining fee of approximately 400€/year for the Doctoral Phase (starting in first year of Phase 2) has to be paid by the student. 

*Teaching assistance, grading assistance and teaching are not a requirement to receive the living stipend. Hence, they come as extra income. 

Start date

Successfully admitted applicants are appointed on a full-time basis for a duration up to five years. The PhD position is intended to start 1 September 2023. 

The campus

A place of excellence, a place of diversity, a place of community. HEC Paris has one of the largest campuses in Europe. Its academic, leisure and sports facilities offer students the holistic life you would expect from a world-class institution. Each HEC PhD student benefit from this excellent study environment, optional campus accommodation and dedicated PhD offices. 

Any question? 

HEC PhD office

Email: doctorat@hec.fr

Website: The HEC Paris Doctoral Program, your gateway to a career in Management Research and Higher Education.