ESRC DTP Collaborative PhD Studentship: Economic Analytics: Advancing Business Competitiveness Through Standards

Aston Universityand United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) 

The Midlands Graduate School , an accredited Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP), is proud to announce the availability of an ESRC Doctoral Studentship. Aston Business Schoolas part of Midlands Graduate School is now inviting applications for this prestigious ESRC Doctoral Studentship, in collaboration with our partner United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS),to commence in October 2024. We are seeking candidates with a strong background in quantitative social science or related fields, including economics, business and management studies, social statistics and applied mathematics. A master's degree is not mandatory as comprehensive postgraduate training will be provided as part of the DTP programme. The successful candidate will benefit from the supervision of Professor Cher Li and Professor Jun Du at Centre for Business Prosperity, Aston Business School, alongside collaborative input from UKAS. 

Project Overview 

Economic Analytics in Focus: Charting the Course of UK Business Competitiveness through Standards and Certification Insights 

The research project addresses the pivotal role of standards and certification in bolstering UK businesses, focusing on management, productivity, innovation, performance and resilience. It employs extensive firm-level data to critically evaluate trade policies, highlighting the crucial role of accredited certification and international standards in amplifying the UK's export potential. Positioned at the intersection of economic analysis and industrial policy, this project will bridge critical knowledge gaps, generate impactful research while offering the PhD candidate an unparalleled opportunity for substantial academic and professional growth. In close collaboration with UKAS, the project is dedicated to devising robust strategies and policies, guiding the UK industry adeptly through the post-Brexit economic landscape. The research methodology may encompass a broad spectrum of techniques including panel data analysis, policy evaluation, causal inference, text analysis and field experiments, among others. While prior familiarity with these methods is beneficial, comprehensive postgraduate training will be provided to equip the candidate with the necessary skills. 

Placement Activities

The PhD candidate will have placement opportunities at UKAS, merging academic research with practical industry and policy applications. The placements will encompass rigorous economic analysis, data management, applied research, policy advisory, dynamic knowledge exchange, comprehensive capacity building and active stakeholder engagement, ensuring a rich, professionally rewarding experience.

Interested applicants should

• Please click 'Apply’ to be redirected to our website, where you can download an application pack for the Collaborative Studentship.

• Upload an anonymised CV and cover letter with your application. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to provide transcripts and two references.

Application deadline: 17:00 GMT, 29 February 2024 (Thursday), interview to take place in one week.

Support Offered

Midlands Graduate School ESRC DTP studentships cover fees at the home rate, a maintenance stipend, extensive support for research training, as well as research activity support grants. Support is available to both home and international applicants. www.mgsdtp.ac.uk/studentships/eligibility/ .

The student will join the Centre for Business Prosperity (CBP), a hub known for its dynamic research environment and contributions to global strategy, trade and productivity since 2018. For more insights into CBP's impactful work, visit https://www.lbpresearch.ac.uk .

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Cher Li ([email protected] ). More project details are available on MGS website: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross_fac/mgsdtp/collaborativeandjoint/li_aston_-_collaborative_advert_2024.pdf . 

Embark on a transformative journey with the Midlands Graduate School and contribute to shaping the future of UK's business competitiveness. We look forward to your application!

Closing date: Thursday 29 February 2024, 5pm