PhD scholarship in Sustainable Finance with Focus on Climate Banking Technical University of Denmark (DTU)

F We are pleased to announce an opportunity for joining the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) as a PhD in the Climate and Energy Policy Division, at the Department of Technology, Management and Economics – in short DTU Management. 

This PhD position offers you the opportunity to build a strong research profile at the intersection of ESG, climate banking, insurance, and real estate finance. You will investigate how banks and financial markets can help accelerate the transition to a low-carbon energy system while managing climate-related risks. You will become part of DTU's international research environment in the research Section on Energy Markets and Finance (EMF) where you can develop your own research profile, collaborate across disciplines, and engage with relevant stakeholders. The position provides a strong foundation for a career in research in sustainable/climate finance, policymaking, or the financial sector.

In recent years, the Climate and Energy Policy Division has rapidly expanded to become a leading research-oriented unit in Denmark, achieving international recognition in the fields of environmental, climate, and energy economics. We are committed to producing outstanding research with the highest academic and social impact and to offering excellent research conditions. The department and division host a dynamic community of PhD students.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The scholarship is linked to a project on the financial resilience to climate change, led by Professor Florentina Paraschiv in collaboration with international partners at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. The project will investigate how banks adjust their lending strategies following realized climate shocks, with particular emphasis on the interplay between bank lending and insurance payouts. It will also examine how such shocks affect the valuation and risk profile of banks’ loan portfolios by reassessing exposures to affected borrowers and accounting for climate-related damage to collateral.

Eligible candidates will have:

• A two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree in one of the fields: banking and finance, financial economics, economics, or industrial engineering with sustainability focus; 
• An excellent educational background in econometrics or generally in quantitative methods;
• An interest in empirical research;
• Mastery of academic English in writing and speaking;
• A capacity to produce rigorous research publishable in leading economics journals;
• Excellent presentation skills.

Besides, the candidates' ability and willingness to collaborate effectively with the project's team will play a role in our assessment.

The position provides support for research and travel expenses, including to conduct research at another institution in Denmark or abroad. An academic exchange with NTNU Trondheim is supported. We are committed to offering the opportunity to conduct independent research. Beyond research, the successful candidate will be expected to participate in community activities such as workshops and seminars.

We also offer excellent guidance and supervision in anticipation of the international post-PhD academic market for junior economists.

Approval and Enrolment 
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education. 

Assessment
Review of applications will start immediately and will continue until the deadline, so candidates are encouraged to apply promptly. First interview will take place online and the second one on-site at DTU.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms 
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please see DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures. 

The period of employment is 3 years. Starting date is 1 January 2027 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position. 

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from 

•    Prof. Dr. Florentina Paraschiv (flopa@dtu.dk) Weblink: Florentina Paraschiv
•    Head of Section, Prof. Dr. Dogan Keles (dogke@dtu.dk) Weblink: Dogan Keles

You can read more about the Department at DTU Management.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 18 October 2026 (23:59 Danish time). Apply online here: PhD scholarship in Sustainable Finance with Focus on Climate Banking

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• One example of a selected written work (e.g. master's thesis).

You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

Who are we?
DTU Management conducts excellent research at the intersection of management, technology, and economics. We develop solutions in close cooperation with companies and public authorities. Our research aims to strengthen welfare, productivity, and sustainability, with particular attention to the role of technology in its interactions with industry and individuals. The department offers courses and programs at bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels across DTU. It has more than 250 employees, of whom around half are from abroad.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.