ESRC DTP Joint Studentship: Enabling Skills for Transitions to a Green Economy

The Midlands Graduate School is an accredited Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP). One of 14 such partnerships in the UK, the Midlands Graduate School is a collaboration between the University of Warwick, Aston University, University of Birmingham, University of Leicester, Loughborough University and the University of Nottingham.

We are now inviting applications for an ESRC Doctoral Joint Studentship between Aston University (where the student will be registered)and the University of Birmingham to commence in October 2023.

Lead Supervisor

Professor Jun Du (Aston University)

Co-Supervisors

Professor Anne Green (University of Birmingham)

Dr Tasos Kitsos (Aston University)

Project Description

This project will examine the availability of green skills, the impact of shortages of green skills on regional green transitions and the policy options to address shortages and facilitate transitions. The transition to a green economy requires a workforce with the right skills but what is “right” and how to get it “right” for different regions, industries, and businesses is less well understood. The project will use quantitative and qualitative techniques to answer questions on green jobs measurement, supply and demand in UK regions, the impact of green skill shortages and the options for businesses and policymakers.

This study will combine large micro-datasets with advanced econometric techniques to estimate the level of demand for green skills and the impacts of shortages at different subnational spatial scales. The project will also generate qualitative information as to what options are available to business leaders and policymakers to enable green transitions.

Person Specification

Candidates will be expected to have strong analytical skills and experience in quantitative data analysis using large socio-economic and business datasets (e.g. the Annual Population Survey, the Business Structure Database) and appropriate software (e.g. Gretl, Stata, R, Python). They will have a good understanding of, and interest in, applied research on the economic impact of green transitions, particularly from a business and/or regional lens. Additional research training will be offered in research methodologies

Application Process

To be considered for this PhD, please complete the Joint Studentship application form available online here . Please upload an anonymised CV as part of the online application process. Shortlisted applicants will also be required to provide transcripts and two references. The selected PhD candidate will be hosted at Aston University and supervised by a joint team comprising of Professor Jun Du , Professor Anne Green and Dr Anastasios Kitsos . Candidates are encouraged to look at the supervisory team’s research records before formulating their personal statement.

Application deadline: 26 February 2023

Expected Interview dates: March 13-14 2023

Midlands Graduate School ESRC DTP

Our ESRC studentships cover fees at the home rate, a maintenance stipend, and extensive support for research training, as well as research activity support grants. Support is available to both home and international applicants. For further details, visit: www.mgsdtp.ac.uk/studentships/eligibility/ .

Please note that Aston University has confirmed that international students will not be required to fund the difference between home and international fees.

Informal enquiries about the research or the Department of Economics, Finance and Entrepreneurship prior to application can be directed to Dr Anastasios Kitsos ([email protected] ) and Professor Jun Du ([email protected] ).