PhD Research Studentship in Net-Zero Transitions

https://eng.ox.ac.uk/study/research-studentships/research-studentship-in-net-zero-transitions/  

3.5-year D.Phil. studentship 

Project: A Systems Approach to Net-Zero Transitions

Supervisors: Prof Paulo Savaget

This is a studentship for a doctoral researcher to investigate net-zero transitions through a systems lens. The doctoral degree should enable the candidate to build a broad skillset in interdisciplinary studies on sustainability, innovation, entrepreneurship, and systems change.

Besides a CV, prospective applicants must submit a research proposal of up to 5 pages (font Calibri or Times New Roman, 11-point, 1-inch margins on all sides). The proposal should reflect the applicant’s interest. In other words, candidates have the flexibility to choose and combine: a) theoretical lenses (e.g., sociotechnical systems; sustainability transitions; system dynamics;  innovation management; science and technology policy; circular economy; etc.); b) research settings and emphases (e.g., worldwide or a specific region; focus on industries, policies, infrastructure, etc.); c) data collection (primary and/or secondary data); and d) methods and techniques for empirical analysis (e.g., quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods; case studies, textual data analysis, regressions, cluster analysis, etc.) The relevance and quality of the proposal will be pivotal in the selection process.

Eligibility

This studentship is funded through the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Doctoral Training Partnership and is open to Home students (full award – home fees plus stipend). Full details of the eligibility requirements can be found on the UK Research and Innovation website.

There is very limited flexibility to support international students. If you are an international student and want to apply for this studentship please contact the supervisor to see whether the flexibility might be available for you.

Candidates applying to this studentship are also encouraged to apply to other scholarship schemes. Please note that there is only one studentship available, but Prof Paulo Savaget might accept multiple candidates (i.e., those who are self-funded or receive another scholarship).

Award Value

Course fees are covered at the level set for UK students (c. £8,965 p.a.). The stipend (tax-free maintenance grant) is c. £17,668 p.a. for the first year, and at least this amount for a further two and a half years. 

Candidate Requirements

Prospective candidates will be judged according to how well they meet the following criteria:

• A first degree in any discipline
• Excellent English (written and spoken)

It is desirable that candidates possess some of the following degrees, abilities, or experiences:

• A Master’s degree
• Excellent grades
• Experience working and/or studying systems change, innovation, and/or sustainability
• Methodological skills

Application Procedure

Informal questions should be addressed to Prof Paulo Savaget (paulo.savaget@eng.ox.ac.uk ). Please note that he will neither support candidates with their proposals nor revise proposals prior to submission; he will only answer queries about the relevance and the alignment of proposed research topics with his research interests and skills.

Candidates must submit a graduate application form and are expected to meet the graduate admissions criteria.  Details are available on the course page of the University website .

Please quote 23ENGTH_PS in all correspondence and in your graduate application.

Application deadline: 9 December 2022

Start date: October 2023