Dr G Williams
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
About the Project
Applications are invited for the following PhD studentship at Staffordshire University starting in September 2017 or as soon as possible thereafter.
In a rape investigation, there are three main defences – it never happened, it happened but someone else did it, or it was consensual. Forensic science can easily address the first two defences, but not the third. The prevailing attitude when it comes to the consent defence is that forensic science cannot be conducted. However, consent is a complex area of law, and as such, there are elements of consent that forensic science should be able to address. I.e. in terms of withdrawn consent, a more robust body fluid identification should be able to help. Or in terms of lack of consent between previously consenting partners, then a stain age prediction assay should be of use.
Therefore the purpose of this project is to explore the issues of consent and by engaging with the police, obtaining data relating to consent scenarios and identify the most common type of absence of consent. Once established, a raft of strategies will be developed that could potentially negate common defences. This could well be a multi-disciplinary strategy, but will focus predominantly on the forensic biology discipline.
Queries about the project can be directed to the principal supervisor, Dr Graham Williams ([Email Address Removed])
Applicant Criteria
Applicants will normally be expected have a strong Masters degree in a relevant subject area.
Application Information
To apply please send a cover letter and CV to the Graduate School at [Email Address Removed] by 4th August 2017.
In your cover letter please explain why you are interested in the specific project and what you will bring to it, your suggested focus and why you are confident that you will be able to complete the PhD successfully (note - this is in place of a Research Proposal). Applications that do not state which specific project they relate to will not be considered.
Closing Date for applications: Friday 4th August 2017
For information Interviews will be held in late August/ early September 2017
We value diversity and are committed to equality of opportunity for all.
Funding Notes
The Studentships will run for 3 years and include a fee waiver equivalent to the home/EU rate and a Tax-free stipend of £14,553 p.a. for three years, subject to satisfactory progress.
In addition to PhD studies successful applicants will also deliver up to six hours per week of light teaching or teaching related support.
Continue with Facebook
