The ESRC National Centre for Research Methods, based at the Universities of Southampton, Manchester and Edinburgh, is pleased to announce seven new 1+3 PhD studentships. The studentships will provide up to four years funding (1 year Masters + 3 years PhD) including fees, Standard Maintenance Grant and Research Training Support Grant. In addition, some students may be eligible for the advanced quantitative methods supplement.
Each studentship addresses research in strategically important areas of methodological development through links to Work Packages (WP1-6) being carried out as part of the NCRM research programme. Students will be encouraged to engage with NCRM activities. Applications are invited in the following topic areas and locations to be supervised by NCRM co-directors.
1. Combining survey and administrative data to improve survey methodology (located at Southampton)
This studentship (Social Statistics pathway) will focus on linking survey data with administrative and survey process data (paradata). Analysis techniques may be developed and applied in the substantive context of improving non-sampling error (nonresponse and measurement errors) in surveys or for using linked household energy data. The project will use a range of multivariate analysis techniques, including multilevel modelling, longitudinal or Bayesian data analysis techniques.
To apply, please contact NCRM Centre Manager Shavi Parhar for an application form. Closing date for applications: 3 February 2015. For informal enquiries contact Dr. Gabriele Durrant.
2. Combining biographical research with social network analysis in a case study of Ann Oakley (located at Edinburgh)
This studentship will investigate the potential and the pitfalls, of bringing biographical research and social network analysis together through focussing on one person's academic life and networks as a case study. That person is Ann Oakley, whose academic career began in the 1960's and is on-going. These apparently discrete methods have much in common when biographical research is undertaken in a way that emphasises the connectedness of the people being studied with significant others in their lives, and social network analysis grapples with the challenge of investigating how the networks of key individuals within them evolve over time.
For informal enquiries contact Professor Lynn Jamieson or Professor Graham Crow. For further particulars and details of how to apply, please download this pdf document.
3. Informative nonresponse (located at Manchester)
Accounting for informative item nonresponse in biomarkers collected in longitudinal surveys (WP3 of the NCRM research programme) aims to develop methodological techniques for accounting for informative item nonresponse in the analysis of collected biological data in longitudinal surveys. Informative nonresponse means that the probability of response to the collection of biological data and to the linkage of external databases may be dependent on unobserved values. This PhD will support the objectives of the work package by developing advanced methods for the analysis of hierarchical linked datasets with informative nonresponse. The PhD will include cutting edge statistical methods and methodological innovation to be considered for the Advanced Quantitative Methods (AQM) stipend of the Northwest Doctoral Training Centre.
For informal enquiries contact Professor Tarani Chandola or Professor Natalie Shlomo.
4. Evaluating disclosure risk in linked data (located at Manchester)
The anatomy of disclosure risk in a world of linked population data (WP4 of the NCRM research programme) aims to develop new analytical methods for evaluating disclosure risk in linked data, particularly the disclosure risk related to spatial associations, and the development of quality measures to provide to users about the impact of disclosure control methods on substantive estimates. For this studentship we are looking for applications from potential students working in one of five new methodological areas: (i) assessing disclosure risks with linked data, (ii) understanding disclosure risks in synthetic data, (iii) new models of privacy for the big data world (iv) privacy and stream data and (v) mapping the data environment. The PhD may include cutting edge statistical methods and methodological innovation to be considered for the Advanced Quantitative Methods AQM stipend of the Northwest Doctoral Training Centre. To apply visit University of Manchester postgraduate studies pages. The PhD can be considered for the Advanced Quantitative Methods (AQM) stipend of the Northwest Doctoral Training Centre.
For informal enquiries contact Dr. Mark Elliot or Professor Natalie Shlomo.
5. Virtual learning of research methods (located at Southampton)
This studentship follows the accredited pathway, Mixed Methods in Educational Research, to explore the teaching and learning of research methods in the digital landscape. In the context of growing interest in the potential of virtual learning environments, e-learning, web-based/asynchronous, computer-mediated and blended learning for enhancing advanced methodological competence, the successful applicant will generate insights into the interaction between technological and pedagogical advances as an important contribution to The pedagogy of methodological learning (WP5 of the NCRM research programme).
To apply, please contact NCRM Centre Manger Shavi Parhar for an application form. Closing date for applications: 3 February 2015. For informal enquiries contact Professor Melanie Nind.
UPDATE: The studentship is re-advertised with new deadline 27 March.
6. Contested issues of depth and breadth in research methods training (located at Edinburgh
The purpose of this studentship to collect and analyse evidence that can support a more informed evaluation of current debates concerning appropriate depth and breadth of training in research methods of social science. It is anticipated that this will include the experience and views of current PhD students and supervisors and a comparative element, looking back to training regimes in previous periods and/or arrangements in other countries.
For informal enquiries contact Professor Vernon Gayle or Professor Graham Crow. For further particulars and for details how to apply please download this pdf document.
7. Disclosure risk and linked population data (located at Southampton)
Geographical aggregation and record-swapping are established approaches to disclosure control in censuses and surveys and automated zone design has been used to produce standard aggregations for the last two censuses in England. This studentship will follow the Human Geography accredited pathway to explore the further development of zone design methods as a means of producing bespoke geographical aggregations to protect increasingly complex multi-source research data.
To apply, please contact NCRM Centre Manager Shavi Parhar for an application form. Closing date for applications: 3 February 2015. For informal enquiries contact Professor Dave Martin.