Centre for Environmental Strategy, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey

Fully Funded PhD Studentship on the Role of Social and Physical Networks in Promoting Sustainable Industrial Systems

The Centre for Environmental Strategy invites applications for a PhD studentship on the EPSRC-funded interdisciplinary research project ERIE (Evolution and Resilience of Industrial Ecosystems), a joint venture with the Departments of Mathematics, Computing and Sociology (http://erie.surrey.ac.uk)

The PhD student will be part of the ERIE team which is using case studies to explore a crucial aspect of the UK economy: the way in which firms are interdependent on each other. The case studies include food supply chains, and the industrial ecosystem in the Humber region. This region is a key hub for landing globally sourced resources for UK production and consumption. One of the key questions is how can this area become more sustainable while developing new local and regional value chains?

The PhD project will focus on understanding various types of networks, such as material, energy, economic and social networks. These can have diverse functions and dynamics which influence the development of systems in unexpected ways. Understanding their structure and functioning is important in order to find effective ways to guide industrial systems towards more sustainable modes of production. The work will build on data already gathered about the Humber case study and will require becoming familiar with, and ultimately applying, a range of methodologies developed in a number of disciplines including physical and biological sciences as well as social sciences. It offers the opportunity to do novel work contributing to the field of industrial ecology and particularly the application of complexity science in this area.

The PhD will also contribute to the wider aim of the ERIE project which is to embed cutting-edge complexity science methods and techniques within prototype computational tools that will provide policymakers with realistic and reliable platforms for strategy-testing in real-world socio-economic systems. The project aims to generate theoretical insights and outcomes with practical value for stakeholders, and offers the opportunity to test scientific insights in practical business contexts to promote regional sustainable development.

The successful candidate will join the vibrant multidisciplinary environment of the large ERIE team, including four post-doctoral researchers, nine PhD students, and eight Investigators from the Centre for Environmental Strategy, and the Departments of Sociology, Mathematics, and Computer Science. The primary supervisor will be from the Centre for Environmental Strategy, while the PhD student will also be expected to work closely with the other members of the ERIE team.

Funding:

This 4-year studentship is funded by the University of Surrey, as part of its contribution to ERIE. It will cover UK/EU tuition fees and a maintenance grant of at least £13,890 per annum for UK nationals. Information about eligibility criteria for Home/EU fee status can be seen at: http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/tuition_fees_ewni.php#

Entry requirements:

Essential

· Interest and preferably experience in network analysis, complex systems, and industrial or ecosystems analysis

· Masters level degree in one of the following disciplines: Complexity Science, Biology, Environmental Science, Geography, Sociology, Economics, Physics, Engineering, Operational Research or related subjects

· Aptitude and enthusiasm for doing interdisciplinary research

· Interest in and ability for working in a collaborative environment

· Excellent oral and written communication skills

Desirable

· Experience in mathematical modelling and simulation

· Experience in qualitative and quantitative social science

Applications:

Informal enquires can be made to Dr Lauren Basson (l.basson@surrey.ac.uk).

To apply, please send:

· A covering letter highlighting:

a) Why you are interested in this particular research topic?

b) Why you are interested in doing a PhD?

c) Which specific skills and aptitudes you feel you would bring to the research project and the ERIE team

· A copy of your current CV including names of referees

· Relevant copies of academic qualifications and transcripts (undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications)

To: Marilyn Ellis (M.A.Ellis@surrey.ac.uk) or by post to:

Marilyn Ellis,

Centre for Environmental Strategy,

University of Surrey,

GU2 7XH.

Closing date: 9am Monday, 21st November, 2011

Interviews: Friday, 2nd December, 2011