9 fully-funded PhD positions in Economics, Analytics and Decision Sciences (EADS) at the IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca

The IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca is now recruiting 9 fully funded doctoral candidates in its Economics, Analytics and Decision Sciences (EADS)PhD Program.

The EADS Program trains international PhD students to undertake cutting-edge research in a wide range of economic and social disciplines with a unique multidisciplinary approach that relies on the unifying language of statistics and data science, as well as on selected tools from computer science and psychology.

EADS students also have the opportunity to complete their research projects under joint supervision (double-degree) with partner universities, including KU Leuven (Belgium) and the University of Alicante (Spain). All students are encouraged to spend visiting research periods at international organizations, both within the Erasmus+ framework and through ad hoc mobility agreements.

EADS in a nutshell

• Contract Type: Scholarship up to 48 months
• Commitment: Full time
• Location: Lucca (Tuscany, Italy)
• Official language: English
• Starting date: November 1, 2026

Your Role

• First year: Follow courses in your tailor-made scientific training program
• Second and third year: Engage in your own research (both at Lucca and abroad) under the guidance of at least one Advisor from the Faculty
• Develop three or more research papers for your doctoral thesis
• Participate in the daily academic and campus life, including seminars, conferences, workshops attendance, public outreach activities etc.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree or equivalent, possibly in Economics, Management, Statistics, Law, Physics, Computer Science, Engineering, Logic and Philosophy of Science, Mathematics, Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences, or in contiguous areas (to be obtained by October 31st, 2026)
• Excellent communication skills in English
• Demonstrated solid quantitative skills comparable with those acquired in economics degrees
• Enthusiasm for research, critical thinking, and interest in policy-relevant issues

What We Offer

• An exciting multidisciplinary and international research environment with wide opportunities to interact with scholars from related disciplines in several other international Universities, as well as with cultural heritage Institutions and leaders
• Work under the supervision of at least one Advisor from the Faculty
• Interactions with several other doctoral candidates, postdoc researchers, and Faculty members;
• A tailor-made scientific training program composed from a wide range of courses and seminars by leading researchers
• Mentoring, training, and career development support
• A highly competitive full-time PhD Position with
  • a scholarship for a maximum period of 3 consecutive years
  • social security coverage
  • free accommodation on campus (all year round)
  • free meals on campus (lunch and dinner, all year round)
  • additional research funds
  • additional international mobility funds
  • insurance coverages (liability, accident)
  • no tuition fees

EFC Project

Scuola IMT Alti Studi Lucca is a member of the EFC - Educating Future Citizens network, which includes eight Scuole Universitarie Superiori in Italy. IMT PhD students have the opportunity to participate in joint activities and are encouraged to engage with partner institutions to foster academic and research collaborations.‍

How to apply

You are welcome to submit your application through the online application system at the following link (registration required): https://pica.cineca.it/imtlucca/imtlucca-phd-eads-2026/

Students graduating by 31st October 2026 are also welcome to apply.

Deadline for applications: June 3, 2026 at 1:00 pm (CEST time)

Application Schedule

• Interview of short-listed candidates: June 22, 2026
• Notification of admission: the end of July 2026

More information

For more information, please seehttps://eads.imtlucca.it/ and get in touch with phdapplications@imtlucca.it