PhD in Complex Systems for Societal and Technological Transitions

IE University invites applications for fully funded PhD positions within the new PhD in Complex Systems for Societal and Technological Transitions, based at the IE School of Science & Technology in Madrid, Spain.

IE University offers an international and interdisciplinary academic environment, drawing on the strengths of IE Business School and its wider academic ecosystem. The new PhD program brings together science, technology, and society to address complex real-world challenges.

The program is designed for doctoral researchers interested in combining systems thinking, computational methods, and interdisciplinary research.

Apply now

We encourage applications from outstanding candidates who are motivated to undertake rigorous, ambitious, and interdisciplinary research with real-world impact.

Learn more about the program and submit your application:

https://www.ie.edu/school-science-technology/programs/phd-in-complex-systems-for-societal-and-technological-transitions/

Research topics

Complex systems; artificial intelligence; data science; computational social science; climate change and sustainability; digital transformation; health; mobility; robotics and automation; resilient societies; networks; and societal and technological transitions.

Candidate profile

We welcome applicants who hold—or expect to complete before joining the program—a relevant master’s degree in areas such as computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, mathematics, physics, engineering, robotics, economics, computational social science, environmental science, health sciences, or a related discipline.

Successful candidates will demonstrate strong analytical or quantitative skills, an interest in interdisciplinary research, and the ability to connect rigorous scientific methods with important societal or technological questions. Experience with programming, modelling, data analysis, simulation, network science, or empirical research will be particularly valuable.

Funding and employment conditions

Successful candidates will receive:

• A four-year employment contract
• A gross annual salary of €28,000
• Full coverage of PhD tuition fees
• Social Security coverage
• Access to Spain’s public healthcare system

Start date: October 2026
Application deadline: 25 August 2026