Applications are invited for five PhD studentships in the ESRC Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) at University College London (UCL), linked to the Centre for Urban Sustainability and Resilience. UCL is one of the world's leading research universities, dedicated to developing, disseminating and applying original knowledge to transform society and benefit the world of the future. The studentships are designed to promote collaboration across disciplines and offer training in social sciences in combination with geomatic, environmental and civil engineering. The studentships cover funding for four years to accommodate some additional multidisciplinary training requirements. The start date of the studentships is 23 September 2013.

Project descriptions: The studentships will entail the use of quantitative methods to better understand urban sustainability and resilience. A novel aspect of the scheme is that each project will involve a major retail organisation (such as Barclays, Boots, the Co-Operative Group, John Lewis, Sainsbury or Tesco) alongside a primary research supervisor from the social sciences and a second supervisor drawn from geomatic, environmental or civil engineering. Further background to this innovative Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) initiative – including indicative research projects – is available at http://www.retailresearchdata.org/PhDAwards.aspx. Other details about ESRC's work with the retail sector under the 'Retail Research and Data' scheme are also available on the parent site http://www.retailresearchdata.org.

Person specification: Applicants should have a Master's degree in a relevant area and a first or good upper second class undergraduate degree. Applicants must be eligible for ESRC funding (www.esrc.ac.uk/funding-and-guidance/guidance/postgraduates/prospective-students/eligibility/index.aspx). Applications will be evaluated on the academic strength of the candidates and the match between the candidate and the available projects and supervisors. Degree qualifications gained from outside the UK, or a combination of qualifications and/or experience that is equivalent to a relevant UK degree, may be accepted. EU applicants may only be eligible for fees-only funding.

Funding details: Financial remuneration will be in line with current ESRC guidelines. Full awards consist of a tax-free enhanced maintenance stipend of £15,726, a London Weighting allowance of £2,000, and payment of the fees for MPhil/PhD enrolment at UCL. Fees-only awards only cover the fees for MPhil/PhD enrolment.

How to apply: If you are interested in applying, please email your CV and a one-page cover letter to Professor Paul Longley (p.longley@ucl.ac.uk). Your cover letter should include confirmation that you have confirmed your eligibility for an ESRC tuition fees award and (if appropriate) a maintenance stipend. Queries about the studentships should be directed to the same email address.

Closing Date: 14 June 2013
Interviews will be held in the week commencing 1 July