2 DPhil positions in Sustainability, University of Sussex

Two Doctoral Studentships at SPRU on Transitions to Sustainability’
SPRU (Science and Technology Policy Research) at the University of
Sussex is pleased to offer two DPhil positions, available to start in
October 2008.

The two doctoral positions are part of a larger research programme led
by Professor Frank W Geels and funded under a prestigious first round
grant from the European Research Council.

The title of the research programme is: Destabilisation of
sociotechnical regimes as the key to transitions towards
sustainability. This refers to the important emerging field of study
concerning non-incremental changes in transport, energy and food systems
necessary in order to achieve more sustainable societies a field in
which Professor Geels is a leading figure.

The theoretical framework for the programme involves an exploration of
the mechanisms and conditions under which existing systems or regimes
become unstable. This may partly be as a result of external pressure
(from policy makers or civil society), or partly because of changing
beliefs of industry actors. The research programme is multi-disciplinary
and will combine insights from sociology of technology,
neo-institutional theory, and evolutionary economics. Empirical work
focuses on the coal industry, car industry and (pig) farming industry,
using case studies as the main method.

The doctoral students will be expected to work as a key element of the
research programme under the personal supervision and direction of
Professor Geels. Their contributions will be intrinsic to achieving the
theoretical and empirical goals as specified in the awarded research
proposal. This is available at http://www.sussex.ac.uk/spru/1-2-2.html.

The successful applicants will receive a salary of ₤21,050 per year over
a period of forty-two months. During this period, the salary will be
subject to standard incremental advancement. This compares favourably
with the level of remuneration and three year funding period that is
normal for doctoral positions, thus giving additional funded time for
completion of the thesis and preparation of publications. The project
budget also includes provision for appropriate travel and a computer.
The successful applicant will need to pay the standard applicable
student fees.

We are looking for excellent applicants, who meet the following criteria:

They have completed a master in sociology of technology (STS),
neo-institutional theory, evolutionary economics or
organization/business studies.

Applicants should be excellent, and are invited to provide indications
for this (e.g. high grades, won prizes, published articles,
recommendations) and their suitability for the project.

Demonstrable affinity or experience with the issue of sustainability and
the domains of transport, energy/coal, or agriculture is preferable.

Current first year (research) students are also invited to apply.

The projects are open to international candidates.

Applicants should include a CV and a letter that explains: a) why they
are interested in the project (programme text available at
http://www.sussex.ac.uk/spru/1-2-2.html), b) why they are good
candidates for the post (indications of excellence). For the purposes of
evaluation, applicants should also submit a 4-6 page research outline
relating to the areas defined in the proposal posted at
http://www.sussex.ac.uk/spru/1-2-2.html.

This documents should be submitted at:
<http://www.sussex.ac.uk/Units/publications/pgrad2008/applying>.

Applicants should also indicate under 'other information-finance' that
they are applying for an ERC Studentship in SPRU under the ‘Destable’
Project. Please inform Merrill Jones in SPRU (mcj22 @ sussex.ac.uk) when
you have sent your application.

Closing date: 1700, 11 July 2008