France – Fully Funded PhD in Economics at University of Lille

Are you passionate about understanding the complex interplay between climate change and financial systems, and eager to build a research career at the intersection of economics, data science, and environmental studies?

Pursuing a PhD in Economics at the University of Lille offers a unique opportunity to contribute to frontier research on how climate shocks impact banking stability—a topic of growing global importance. With climate change increasingly recognized as a major driver of financial risk, this position empowers you to address urgent questions shaping the future of banking and economic policy in Europe and beyond.

About the University

The University of Lille stands as one of France’s leading public universities, renowned for its vibrant academic community and commitment to research excellence. Located in the dynamic city of Lille, in northern France, the university is a hub for innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. Its Lille Économie Management research center (LEM – CNRS) is internationally respected for groundbreaking work in economics and management.

The University of Lille is part of the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) network, providing access to state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced High-Performance Computing resources. Students benefit from a stimulating multicultural environment, strong ties to international institutions, and a supportive infrastructure for research and career development. Lille itself is a lively, student-friendly city, strategically positioned near major European capitals such as Paris, Brussels, and London, offering both cultural richness and excellent connectivity.

France’s higher education system is globally recognized for its rigor and quality, with generous funding for doctoral research and a strong tradition of academic freedom. As a PhD student in Lille, you will enjoy competitive funding, opportunities to teach, and support for attending international conferences, all within a safe and welcoming European context.

Research Topic and Significance

The core focus of this PhD position is to investigate the effects of climate shocks on banking stability, particularly in the United States and Europe. While much existing research centers on extreme climate events, the CLIMSTAB project adopts a broader perspective, examining how recurring climate variability and less dramatic, but persistent, climate shocks influence the resilience of banks.

This research is critically relevant in today’s world, as financial institutions and policymakers grapple with the economic consequences of climate change. Understanding the channels through which climate risks propagate into the banking sector is essential for designing robust regulatory frameworks, safeguarding financial stability, and ensuring sustainable economic growth. The project’s findings are expected to inform both academic debates and practical policy decisions at national and international levels.

Project Details

The selected PhD candidate will join the CLIMSTAB project, funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR), and be based at the LEM – CNRS research center at the University of Lille. The project is supervised by Associate Professor Maxime Fajeau and Dr. Michael Brei, in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team specializing in banking, climate econometrics, and applied macro-finance.

Research Will Center On

• Analyzing how climate shocks destabilize banks through various transmission channels.
• Measuring banks’ exposure to local climate anomalies using branch-level geolocation data.
• Identifying factors that enhance or reduce bank resilience, such as capitalization, diversification, and portfolio structure.
• Integrating high-resolution climate indicators (from ERA5) and climate model projections (CMIP6) into financial stability assessments.
• Employing advanced econometric techniques, including Local Projections and causal inference methods, to estimate the dynamic effects of climate shocks.

The doctoral project will involve intensive data analysis, econometric modeling, and the integration of large-scale administrative and climate datasets. The candidate will have access to the University of Lille’s High-Performance Computing facilities and a dedicated budget for international conference participation.

An optional pre-doctoral Research Assistantship is also available, providing hands‑on experience in data construction, spatial matching, and preliminary econometric analysis for candidates seeking to strengthen their research skills prior to the PhD.

The position includes the possibility to teach up to 64 hours per academic year, with a competitive gross monthly salary ranging from approximately €2,300 (without teaching) to €2,700 (with a full teaching load), under the standard French doctoral contract.

Candidate Profile

• A Master’s degree (or be close to completion) in Economics, Finance, Econometrics, or a closely related field.
• Strong quantitative skills, particularly in econometrics (panel data analysis, causal inference).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Stata, R, or Python.
• Demonstrated interest in climate economics and financial stability.
• Experience working with large datasets and/or spatial data is highly desirable.
• A proactive, analytical mindset and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research.

Candidates with backgrounds in climate science, data science, or related quantitative disciplines who are motivated to apply their expertise to economic and financial questions are encouraged to apply.

Application Process

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Academic transcripts
• Cover letter detailing research interests and quantitative background
• One or two reference letters

The application deadline is April 30, 2026, but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early submission is strongly encouraged. Please refer to the official advertisement for application details.

Conclusion

This is a rare opportunity to join a cutting‑edge research initiative at the intersection of climate science and financial economics, with strong institutional support and international visibility. If you are driven to make a meaningful contribution to understanding and managing the economic risks of climate change, the University of Lille offers an outstanding platform to launch your academic career.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply promptly and to explore similar opportunities in the field to maximize their academic and professional development.

Questions & Answers

Question: What makes the University of Lille an attractive destination for PhD students?

The University of Lille offers a vibrant international research environment, advanced facilities, and strong support for doctoral candidates, including funding, teaching opportunities, and access to high-performance computing. Its location in northern France provides excellent connectivity and a high quality of life.

Question: What is the main focus of the CLIMSTAB project?

The project investigates how recurring climate shocks and climate variability affect banking stability in the US and Europe, using advanced econometric methods and large-scale data integration.

Question: What skills are most valued for this PhD position?

Strong quantitative skills in econometrics, experience with programming (Stata, R, or Python), and familiarity with large datasets and/or spatial data are highly valued. Interest in climate economics and financial stability is essential.

Question: Is prior research experience required?

While prior research experience is not strictly required, candidates with research assistantship experience or a strong quantitative background will be at an advantage. An optional pre‑doctoral research assistantship is available for those seeking to gain experience before starting the PhD.

Question: Are there teaching responsibilities?

Yes, the position includes the possibility to teach up to 64 hours per academic year, which also increases the gross monthly salary.

Question: What is the duration and funding of the position?

The PhD position is fully funded for three years, with a competitive salary and a dedicated budget for international conference participation.

Question: Can international students apply?

Yes, the University of Lille welcomes applications from international candidates who meet the academic and language requirements.

Question: How can I find out more about the project or supervisors?

Further information is available in the official project description. For detailed queries, refer to the official advertisement.