Project Description:
Pressure on groundwater is increasing globally as it is considered key to water and food security in the context of climate change (UN World Water Development Report 2022). Governing groundwater is notoriously challenging because it is often invisible, making it difficult to detect locations and flows of water. An additional complexity is that groundwater is a common pool resource which means that a balance must be achieved between individual and collective uses, and the health of ecosystems.
Mainstream approaches to managing groundwater are often dominated by technical perspectives. There is a relative dearth of social science studies of how people, whose livelihoods depend on groundwater, share and care for it. This PhD will address that gap. Building on approaches developed by the T2GS project https://www.t2sgroundwater.org/. this research will investigate how people encounter groundwater in their daily practices, with the aim of inspiring sustainable and just ways of managing it.
General eligibility criteria
Enthusiasm, independence, self-motivation, curiosity and the ability to communicate to a range of audiences are all distinctly advantageous qualities for a PhD. Applicants would normally be expected to hold a minimum of a UK Honours degree at 2:1 level or equivalent in a relevant degree course. However, applicants who have gained experience in relevant fields through non-traditional routes are strongly encouraged to apply. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates, candidates who are in the first generation of their family to go to university, candidates who have been in care or who have been a young carer, and candidates from a low-income background.
English language requirements for overseas students can be found here.
Project specific criteria
Applications are encouraged from candidates with a background in social science/ humanities (Geography, Development Studies, Politics, Anthropology, History). Candidates with a background in Water Management and Water Engineering may be considered if they can demonstrate a sensibility to social science approaches and experience of working across disciplines. The prospective student will be expected to engage with key interdisciplinary debates on people-water-technology interactions.
The research will adopt an ethnographic approach, involving the development of rich case studies of groundwater encounters. Applicants should be able to spend significant periods of time undertaking in-depth research in rural areas in the global south. We encourage applications from scholars based in poor or middle-income countries, where groundwater dilemmas are pressing.
There is a small annual budget for fieldwork in this studentship but prospective candidates will need to source additional funds for extended fieldwork. We can facilitate opportunities for candidates from low or middle-income countries to apply for such funds.
Studentship funding
Full studentships (UK tuition fees and stipend (£16,062 2022/23 [tax free])) for UK students for 3.5 years or full studentships (International tuition fees and stipend (£16,062 2022/23 [tax free])) for International students for 3 years.
Selection information
Candidates should note that there are a total of six studentships available for this call, which means that not every project will be assigned a student. Applications will first be shortlisted by the project supervisor with a final interview and shortlisting conducted by a departmental panel.
One studentship is specifically reserved for a candidate from a global south country. If this applies to you, please make this clear on your application form.
Dates
Deadline for applications: 20th May 2022
Provisional Interview Date: to be confirmed
Start Date: October 2022
To apply, please visit https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/lec/graduate-school/phd/phd-opportunities/#encountering-groundwater-engaging-with-an-invisible-resource-371066-6
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