The Luxembourg Connection: Corporate Strategy and the Governance of Contraband Tobacco

Aston University invites applications for a fully funded PhD exploring the political economy of contraband tobacco in Europe, with a particular focus on corporate strategy, EU excise governance and regulatory asymmetries. The project examines how transnational tobacco companies exploit cross border tax differentials, how EU and national regulatory systems interact, and how enforcement cultures shape the circulation of legally manufactured but illicitly diverted tobacco products. Building on prior qualitative research that traces illicit tobacco supply chains from local communities to corporate actors, this PhD shifts the emphasis to upstream governance: the structures, institutions and legal frameworks that make contraband possible.

Research Approach 

You will investigate: 

• Corporate production volumes, pricing strategies and distribution networks 
• EU excise directives, minimum tax rules and national transposition (including Luxembourg, France and the UK)
• Enforcement coordination and EU level regulatory practice 
• The interaction of formal legal frameworks with informal governance cultures 

The project incorporates documentary analysis, policy and legal research, and approximately 20–25 elite interviews with regulators, customs officials and European Commission actors. Travel and Language Requirements Because the project engages directly with EU institutions and national regulators, regular travel to Brussels and Luxembourg is essential for interviews, documentary work and institutional engagement. A good standard of French is highly desirable for interviews and document work. German and Dutch/Flemish would be advantageous but are not required. Candidates willing to develop language skills during the PhD are very welcome.

Candidate Profile

We welcome applicants from a range of disciplinary backgrounds, including:

• Social sciences (sociology, criminology, political science, public policy)
• Humanities (European studies, history of institutions, political economy)
• Law (European public law, socio legal studies, regulatory governance)

The ideal candidate will have:

• Strong interest in regulation, illicit markets or EU governance
• Experience with qualitative methods or documentary analysis (desirable)
• Willingness to work across disciplines and political legal contexts
• Confidence travelling independently in Europe Supervision and Environment

The supervisory team combines expertise in illicit markets, health inequalities, corporate political economy, European public law and EU institutional history.

You will join a supportive research environment with strong links to UK and European regulatory stakeholders.

This position will be based on the Aston Campus in Birmingham, UK. The successful candidate will need to be located within a reasonable distance of the campus, and will be expected to visit in person regularly. 

The successful applicant should hold, or expect to achieve:

A First or Upper Second Class Honours undergraduate degree, and a Masters degree with Merit or Distinction, both in relevant subjects. 

Qualifications from overseas institutions will be considered, but performance must be equivalent to that described above, and the University reserves the right to ascertain this equivalence according to its own criteria.

Desirable / Essential Skills or Experience 

Strong undergraduate and master’s level academic background in a relevant field (e.g., social sciences, sociology, criminology, political science, public policy, European studies, socio legal studies, law, or related humanities disciplines). Interest in regulation, corporate strategy, illicit markets, or European governance. Willingness and ability to travel to Brussels and Luxembourg for interviews, documentary work and institutional research. Good communication skills, including the ability to engage professionally with regulators, customs officials and EU actors. Motivation to work independently and manage a multi stage research project with supervisory support. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, including the ability to interpret policy documents, legal frameworks and corporate material. Commitment to ethical research practice, especially when handling sensitive professional interviews and documentary evidence.

Interest in tobacco control policy, including public health dimensions, regulatory debates or illicit market dynamics. A good standard of French for interviews and documentary research. Knowledge of German and/or Dutch/Flemish. Experience with qualitative research methods (e.g., interviews, documentary/policy analysis). Previous study or professional experience related to EU institutions, regulation, taxation, excise policy, corporate governance, public law or illicit markets. Familiarity with socio legal, political economy or economic sociology approaches, or willingness to develop expertise in these areas. Confidence working in multilingual, cross border institutional settings. Experience producing clear written analysis, such as essays, reports, dissertations or policy briefings.

This project covers all tuition fees and includes an annual stipend.

Please note that the successful candidate will be responsible for any costs relating to moving to Birmingham and/or visiting the Aston campus. International students must meet the financial requirements for the visa, flights, and NHS Surcharge. Applicants should be confident that they can meet these costs before applying. 

Further information can be found here: Financial Requirements | Aston University

International Applicants

International applicants are welcome to apply for this position. 

We can only consider applications that are complete and have all supporting documents. Applications that do not provide all the relevant documents will be automatically rejected.

Your application must include: 

1. English language copies of the transcripts and certificates for all your higher education degrees, including any Bachelor degrees.
2. A Research Statement detailing your understanding of the research area, how you would approach the project, and a brief review of relevant literature. Be sure to use the title of the research project you are applying for. There is no set format or word count. 
3. A personal statement which outlines any further information which you think is relevant to your application, such as your personal suitability for research, career aspirations, possible future research interests, and further description of relevant employment experience. 
4. A Curriculum Vitae (Resume) which details your education and work history. 
5. Two academic referees who can discuss your suitability for independent research. References must be on headed paper, signed and dated no more than 2 years old. At least one reference should be from your most recent University. You can submit your references at a later date if necessary. 
6. Evidence that you meet the English Language requirements. If you do not currently meet the language requirements, you can submit this at a later stage. 
7. A copy of your passport. Where relevant, include evidence of settled or pre-settled status.

Interviews 

Interviews will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams. If you are shortlisted, you will be contacted directly with details of the interview.  

PhD programmes are for those who are seeking to develop greater in-depth knowledge in a specific area. Completing this level of study is about making an original contribution to knowledge, making new discoveries and developing lifelong skills. 

Studying a PhD is great route into academia and industries that are centred on research and innovation. Areas with a demand for very high level and specialised research skills often demand PhDs.

In addition to this specialist knowledge, PhD education will help you to develop a set of valuable transferrable skills. The very nature of studying an intensive research degree will enable you to become a team player, develop problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and advanced presentation and communication skills.