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PhD Awards in Retail Big Data and Geographic Data Science
The Consumer Data Research Centre has several PhD awards available to begin September
2015. These studentships are available for work associated with the Economic and Social
Research Council (ESRC) funded Consumer Data Research Centre, based at University
College London (UCL) and the University of Liverpool. Studentships include the Boots
Health Informatics Award and a four year ESRC/EPSRC multidisciplinary studentship which
includes an additional MRes award in Urban Sustainability and Resilience in collaboration
with UCL’s Centre for Urban Sustainability and Resilience that will have specific focus upon
health and wellbeing.
The awards are open to social scientists with a background in geography, social statistics,
political science, applied mathematics, planning or sociology, to work with the retail sector
as part of an exciting multidisciplinary research centre. Working with academics and the
retail industry, you will investigate multidisciplinary topics such as the future of the high
street, the development and application of new methods of retail analysis, the analysis of
online and social media data relevant to retailing, or the relationship between online and
conventional shopping opportunities.
The Boots Health Informatics PhD Scholarship 2015 will provide an opportunity to
work with cutting-edge data science technologies while carrying out pioneering research in
Geographic Information Science. The successful applicant will also work in collaboration
with the Boots’ data analytics team and gain first-hand experience of working with a range
of unique consumer insight datasets.
Geographic Data Science at the Consumer Data Research Centre (CDRC)
www.cdrc.ac.uk
The CDRC is a new Big Data investment that is passionate about data and unlocking value
through retail analytics and linkage to other Big Data. We apply advanced social science
analytics to better understand the motivations and behaviours of consumers, and develop
applications that are relevant right across society. Award holders will be responsible for
developing and applying analytics, and linking datasets in order to develop insights into
today’s dynamic and fast-moving consumer markets. They will join a team of researchers
and retail analysts that is seeking to reshape the ways in which consumer data can be used
for the benefit of society at large. You will also gain first- hand experience of working with
one or more of the UK’s leading retailers.
Funding
University of Liverpool: 3 year ESRC North West Doctoral Training Centre (DTC)
Research Studentships
Studentships include an annual tax-free maintenance stipend at the standard ESRC rate*
(for 2015/16, this is 14,057 for full-time students) plus an additional enhancement for use
of advanced quantitative methods. In addition, the studentship will pay for all tuition fees.
University College London: 3 year ESRC project linked DTC Research Studentship and 1
x four year (1+3) ESRC/EPSRC multidisciplinary studentship
All studentships include an annual tax-free maintenance stipend at the standard ESRC
rate* (for 2015/16, this is 14,057 for full-time students), a London Allowance of 2,000 plus
an additional enhancement for use of advanced quantitative methods and multidisciplinary
research. In addition, the studentship will pay for all tuition fees.
In both the UCL and North West ESRC DTCs, Research Students will have access to central
funds to cover research related expenses, fieldwork, collaborations and overseas
institutional visits.
* The exact amount is confirmed by RCUK annually.
Entry Requirements
Successful applicants will have a 1st class or high upper 2nd class BSc degree or an MSc
with Merit or Distinction in a quantitative social science discipline. They must share our
passion for data and be equally fascinated by what we can learn from them. In addition, we
welcome candidates that also bring some practical experience gained in a commercial
setting.
These studentships follow the ESRC eligibility criteria, however relaxed eligibility rules for
overseas students may apply for exceptional candidates with expertise in advanced
quantitative methods http://www.esrc.ac.uk/funding-andguidance/postgraduates/prospective-students/eligibility/index.aspx.
The CDRC Website is http://cdrc.ac.uk/. To apply, please submit a CV and supporting letter
of application, demonstrating how you feel your skills and experience are relevant to the
CDRC, to Sarah Sheppard s.sheppard@ucl.ac.uk. Please also state whether you would wish
to be considered for the 4 year ESRC/EPSRC multidisciplinary studentship and whether you
would like to be based at the University of Liverpool or UCL.
Closing date: 25th March 2015.