Applications are invited for a PhD Studentship part funded by the European Social Fund (ESF). This studentship is available from January 2011 and offers the opportunity to work on a collaborative project between Geography at the University of Exeter and local organisations in Cornwall. The project will be conducted as part of the ESF funded Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) Research Programme led by the University of Exeter. The PhD will investigate how SMEs, with a particular focus on the maritime sector, understand or engage with climate change science and how this knowledge is influenced by societal attitudes towards, for example, nature and the environment. It will also investigate how scientific knowledge works its way into the businesses through different popular cultural forms.
Main duties and responsibilities include:
* Conducting an extensive literature review
* Quantitative and qualitative data analysis
* Writing manuscripts for publication and reports on research progress for the European Social Fund
* Presenting findings orally to academic and non-academic audiences
You will be based in Geography at the University’s Cornwall Campus near Falmouth, and supervised by Dr Michael Leyshon and Professor Chris Caseldine. The successful student will be expected to spend a proportion of their time collaborating and liaising with Cornish organisations involved in the project.
Applicants should have a good (First, Upper Second Class, or equivalent) degree in a humanities or social science discipline, and should have (or be about to complete) a Masters degree in a humanities or social science discipline. Applicants are expected to have a good knowledge of current debates in sustainability and behaviour change, climate change and the spatial formation of communities of practice and to be familiar with qualitative and quantitative research methods. The successful candidate will be self-motivated, able to work independently, have excellent communication skills, and prior experience of conducting independent research.
Funding information
Funding applies to:
EU applicants (including UK)
Funding notes:
The studentship will provide £16,500pa for three years. You will need to pay your tuition fees which for 2010/11 will be £3,500 rising to £3,700 in 2011/12.
Contacts and how to apply
Academic contact:
Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Michael Leyshon: m.leyshon@exeter.ac.uk.
Administrative contact and how to apply:
In order to apply you will need to complete an online web form, where you must submit some personal details and upload a full CV, covering letter and details of two referees. Your covering letter should outline your academic interests and how your skills and experience fit the requirements of this research project.
