PhD Studentships in Network Science for the Business Community

Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University is a world-class, research-led university with a drive to create and apply knowledge for economic and societal benefit. The REF 2014 assessed Heriot-Watt top in Scotland and 9th university in the UK for research impact, with 82% of our research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent. Edinburgh Business School (EBS) is the graduate school of business of Heriot-Watt University. We are one of the world's largest providers of postgraduate business education. EBS at Heriot-Watt University is undergoing a process of expansion in terms of research activity and research capacity. As a consequence we are seeking to fulfil two funded, full-time PhD students.

The Centre for Networks and Enterprise
There will be two PhD bursaries for scholars interested in conducting research under the auspices and supervision of staff associated with the Centre for Networks and Enterprise (CNE). The CNE was set-up in March 2017 following the appointment of a new Executive Dean to the Edinburgh Business School. Its stated aim is to facilitate research in network science for the business community. The Executive Dean, Professor Heather McGregor is assisted by the Director of the Centre, Dr Dimitris Christopoulos, a team of post-doctoral researchers, research assistants and a number of EBS scholars to conduct applied research and facilitate learning. The Centre is currently supporting research on gender and boardroom interlocks, social entrepreneurship, finance syndication and careers. A common feature of all the CNE projects is network informed interventions. CNE research is aimed at supporting people to achieve their potential and facilitating business to optimise operations.

PhD Studentships
We are looking for highly motivated researchers who have training in quantitative and qualitative methods in social research. We welcome applications in all fields of business studies that employ networks as a theoretical or methodological frame. We particularly welcome applications from prospective students interested in topics associated to network analysis in the fields of careers progression, interlocking directors, start-up finance, entrepreneurship, political risk, leadership and the social economy. Along the way, you will be encouraged to publish, before completing your thesis and viva voce.

Funding and Application
Both bursaries include a tuition fee waiver for PhD at UK/EU fees and a stipend at £14,553 for three years. In order to be eligible for a Heriot Watt PhD, applicants should hold a first class or upper second class honours undergraduate degree in a related subject (or equivalent international qualification) and a Master's degree (or equivalent) in a related subject. Candidates are expected to start during 2018. Applications, including a covering letter, a three page research proposal, CV and the names of two referees, should be submitted to holly.sinclair@ebs.hw.ac.uk, quoting reference: CNE_PhD_2018B. The closing date for applications is midnight, 10th September 2018. Interviews will take place later that week, either in person at Edinburgh Business School or via Skype.

Further information on the CNE can be found at: https://www.ebsglobal.net/about-us/centre-for-networks-and-enterprise.