PhD Studentship: Career Choices and Work-life Balance of Women Professionals in Non-Western Countries

Subject Title: Choices or Constraints? Making Sense/Understanding of Career Choices and Work-life Balance of Women Professionals in non-Western Countries

Qualification Type: PhD

Location: Luton

Partial Funding for: UK students and International Students

Funding amount: For UK students, Tuition Fees (£4,800 per annum) for up to 3 years; For international students, international university tuition fees will apply (From 1st August 2021, EU and International students are liable for tuition fees at the international rate and must be able to fund the difference between “Home” and “Overseas” tuition fees themselves). 

Hours: Full Time

Application deadline 31st  of May 2023

Are you passionate about the research of women's career development and work-life balance? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of professional women in non-Western countries? Our project explores the specific challenges and difficulties that professional women face in developing their careers in non-Western contexts. We are looking for a highly motivated and dedicated candidate to join our research team.

As a PhD candidate, you will have the opportunity to:

• Conduct in-depth research on women's career development and work-life balance.
• Explore the cultural, racial, and ethnic diversity of women's career experiences in non-Western contexts.
• Contribute to the existing literature on women's career development and work-life balance.
• Develop your research skills and gain valuable experience in the field of gender studies.

Research description

Research into the career choices and work-family balance of professional women in Western and non-Western contexts has received increasing attention in recent years. However, the majority of existing studies focus on the Western context. Limited empirical research has been developed by exploring women’s career experiences in the non-Western context to capture cultural, racial, and ethnic diversity. Therefore, this research project aims to explore how women professionals make sense of career choices and work-life balance in non-Western countries.

You will have:

• A good postgraduate degree in a relevant subject area, such as Management, Human Resource Management, Social Studies, or Sociology.
• A strong interest in the development of women’s careers and work-life balance.
• Good analytical and research skills/experiences.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Well-organised and good time management skills.
• We welcome both international and UK students who are interested in women's career development. Candidates who have a strong interest in non-Western contexts will be given preference.

In return, we offer:

• A partial funding PhD studentship for up to three years (For UK students, Tuition Fees (are £4,800 per annum) for up to 3 years; For international students, international university tuition fees will apply)
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities (e.g., Library, PhD study room/office, PGR centres etc.) at the University of Bedfordshire.
• Supervision by experienced researchers in the field of career research and gender studies.
• Opportunities to attend conferences, seminars, events, research projects, funding projects, and present your research.

Further Information and Application

For academic enquiries please contact Dr Shuo Wang ([email protected] ) and Dr Christina Schwabenland ([email protected] ).

Candidates should include a CV, a cover letter, a personal statement, and a 2,000-word research proposal. Send complete applications to: [email protected] .

Application deadline: 31 May 2023

Interview date: 8th June 2023

Start date: 1st October 2023