L’université Jean Moulin Lyon 3 is recruiting a PhD candidate in Management Sciences.

Research Lab: Magellan
Host Structure: iaelyon School of Management 
Thesis Supervision: Marie-Christine Chalus, Professor of Management Sciences (Strategy and Entrepreneurship). Co-supervision possible.

Duration: October 2026 – October 2029

The thesis is part of the Graduate School "International Entrepreneurship and Innovation for Society" (IEIS), winner of the ANR / SFRI – Graduate School project call.

About the IEIS Graduate School:

The Graduate School IEIS focuses on entrepreneurship and its transformative abilities in society, a key theme of the university and the iaelyon School of Management. It offers a specialized program for an excellence cohort, from Master 2 to PhD, and strengthens the links between bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctorates, and research teams to create a true synergy for excellence and the common good.

The Graduate IEIS aims to train researchers in entrepreneurship who are working on innovative, international projects with societal impact (climate, health, biodiversity, greencity, smart city, etc.).

By being part of this program, students have the opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills essential for leading innovative and societal projects. Meanwhile, high-level researchers with the ability to unite and act in complex and international situations for the development of ambitious entrepreneurial projects also have the opportunity to grow.

Master's and PhD students receive specific support from experienced researchers and mentors, whether they come from the academic world or the socio-economic sphere. Exchange sessions from bachelor’s to doctorate levels are organized to stimulate collaboration around projects.

Joining the Graduate School IEIS means benefiting from:

 

• A dynamic and cosmopolitan research environment, closely linked with major academic associations and international conferences in the field (AIMS, AOM, AEI, AIREPME, EIASM, etc.);
• Synergies developed with incubatees and other students interested in the theme, through on-site events, meetings, and exchanges with invited international researchers, as well as off-site events, including those abroad;
• Opportunities for international mobility.

Objective of the Thesis

It is imperative that the thesis project is related to the theme of entrepreneurship, with a particular emphasis on the development of innovative and international entrepreneurial projects that demonstrate a significant societal impact.

Amount of the scholarship

The funding corresponds to the amount of a French ministerial research grant. SFRI funding covers 36 months, with no possibility of extension, in accordance with the amount set by the French Ministry of Research.

How to apply

The application must include:
 

• CV: 1 page maximum (with photo), highlighting academic background since high school, including obtained degrees (please specify the honors) and any relevant exams;
• Transcripts and diplomas: Copies of obtained degrees and academic transcripts;
• Thesis project: A developed thesis proposal of up to 4 pages, including bibliographic references;
• Research thesis: A research paper completed as part of a master’s program or other research work, demonstrating research aptitude (to be sent later if still in progress at the time of application). This work must have been completed within 5 years prior to the application submission;
• Letter of recommendation: written by former or current professors, lecturers, tutors or supervisors (Master’s thesis supervisor for instance)
• Language proficiency certificate: Proof of French and English proficiency (minimum B2 level – minimum TOEIC score of 785; TOEFL, IELTS,Cambridge);
• Copy of an official identity document
• Any other document deemed relevant for evaluating the application.

Documents must be submitted in PDF format by email to melanie.montcharmont@univ-lyon3.fr before May 29, 2026.


Award Criteria:
 

• Master's Degree (Master 2) in Management Sciences (or another discipline but with a solid foundation in entrepreneurship) (either obtained or in progress);
• Research thesis completed (or about to be completed);
• Academic excellence;
• Consistency of academic background, professional project, research interests, and alignment with the theme "International Entrepreneurship and Innovation for Society";
• Proficiency in French and English;

The Graduate School IEIS particularly values international backgrounds. Are you an international student and wish to apply for the Graduate School IEIS PhD scholarship? Join a global academic community that welcomes and supports international PhD candidates in a demanding and recognized program.

Deadlines

• Application deadline: 29 May 2026
• Interviews with the Graduate School IEIS: beginning of June 2026
• Deadline for submitting complete files required by the SEG Doctoral School (including the Master's thesis) via Le Réseau ADUM:  28 June 2026
• Interviews with the SEG Doctoral School: 9 and 10 July 2026
• Notification of results to candidates: July 2026

This programme is supported by the French National Research Agency as part of the Investments Program #3 / France 2030 (ANR-21-SFRI-0001)