An exciting opportunity has arisen for a fully-funded PhD studentship in the field of Quantitative Political Economy (defined broadly as the intersection of economics and formal and quantitative political science) based in the Department of Political Economy at King's College London (for more information, see http://www.kcl.ac.uk/sspp/departments/politicaleconomy/research/Research-groups/Quantitative-Political-Economy.aspx).
Candidates are invited to submit a research proposal addressing a specific research question within the broad thematic areas of interest to the QPE research cluster. These areas include, but are not limited to:
The relationship between economic and political inequality, including gender inequalities, with an emphasis in corruption and poverty reduction.
The effects of forced displacement, conflict and multiple refugee crises on economic development, political attitudes and preferences
The role of political institutions in reducing conflict and promoting peace, justice and democracy
Guidance
We expect research proposals to carefully develop a specific, original and relevant research question that spans the disciplines of economics and political science, with reference to the relevant literature and proposed use of a quantitative methodological approach (statistical analysis and/or formal modelling). Applications that specify a clear, well-justified research question of feasible scope will be viewed more favourably.
Candidates are welcome to list potential supervisors on their application. Final decisions will be taken after interviews with short-listed candidates. For reference, we anticipate that the supervisory committee of the successful candidate will draw on expertise from within the QPE research cluster in the Department of Political Economy (http://www.kcl.ac.uk/sspp/departments/politicaleconomy/research/Research-groups/Quantitative-Political-Economy.aspx. Further information can be found on the website.
Eligibility
Applicants should hold a first-class BSc degree and an MSc degree with at least Merit (2:1 in the UK system, or international equivalent), including a dissertation mark of no less than 65% (UK marking scheme). These should be in a relevant subject area (including Economics, Political Science, Public Policy, and others) and the candidate should demonstrate a solid quantitative background. Prior training in quantitative methods (statistical analysis, econometrics and/or economic modelling) is essential, and should be evidenced by submitting transcripts of taught modules, although the student will be able to avail of additional training via the ESRC-funded London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (LISS DTP).
Application
Interested candidates should submit their application through the admissions portal, attaching;
- cover letter (a statement of motivation for PGR studies)
- research proposal
- a recent cv (including a clear listing of prior quantitative training)
- transcripts from all tertiary institutions they have attended
- contact details of (at least) two referees (letters from past non-academic employers will not count).
Applicants are asked to contact their referees in advance and ask them to submit their references by the deadline of 30 May 2017 (5pm). Admissions will be considered on a rolling basis. Interviews with short-listed candidates will take place in the first half of June (either in person or via the internet). Candidates should make sure they are available in that period. Ideally, candidates should be in a position to start in September 2017.
For further details, please contact Dr Konstantinos Matakos (konstantinos.matakos@kcl.ac.uk). Please note that we cannot provide feedback on unsuccessful applications.
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