ISTR - Institute for Social and Technical Research
University of Essex
Subjects: Geography - Human | Information Sciences | Information Technology
| Media and Communications | Sociology | Telecommunications
The explosive growth of public media services such as youtube, flickr, Slide and the like together with the widespread penetration of domestic broadband are starting to cause significant challenges for telecommunications networks which were not designed with the instantaneous viral spread of multi-media content in mind. This studentship will develop ways of studying and conceptualising high bandwidth multi-media content usage that can take account of the 'flow' of media across geographically dispersed social networks through a range of hosting services such as facebook, youtube, Slide, blogs and the like. The student will be expected to carry out conceptual and empirical work applying (for example) theories of exchange and reciprocity to the emerging arena of the sharing of public (published/broadcas t) and private (within closed groups) media content.
Whilst the successful applicant will be based at the Technology and Social Change Research Centre (http://istr. essex.ac. uk/tasc/ - Colchester campus) they will also spend time with BT’s R&D teams (who are located at Adastral Park) gaining industrial experience and access to unique datasets and other resources. Although pursuing their own research agenda the student will be expected to work closely with and contribute to the research team and the programme in which they will be embedded.
The studentship would suit a qualitative social scientist with an interest in technology mediated consumption and social behaviour. Applications are therefore invited from graduates with a first or upper second class degree in a demonstrably relevant discipline.
The studentship covers fees, research expenses and the standard RCUK tax-free living allowance with an additional contribution from the industrial partner.
Desirable experience, skills and attributes would also include one or more of the following:
• Qualitative social science research methods
• The ability to engage with non-academic researchers
• The ability to work as part of a collaborative team
• An interest in the relationship between social and technological change
To apply please email a CV and covering letter (both in pdf format) to Dr Ben Anderson (benander@essex. ac.uk).
Study information
Qualification: PhD
Study duration: 3 years
Study mode: FT/PT
Start month: October 2008
Entry requirements: 2:1 or higher
Funding information
Funder: EPSRC & BT
Title: Collaborative Industrial Studentship
Value: The studentship covers fees, research expenses and a tax-free living allowance with an additional contribution from BT
Number of awards per year: 1
Funding notes: Normal EPSRC eligibility rules apply
Funding duration: 3 years
Contacts and how to apply
Academic contact: Dr Ben Anderson (benander@essex. ac.uk)
Administrative contact and how to apply: To apply please email a CV and covering letter (both in pdf format) to Dr Ben Anderson
(benander@essex. ac.uk).
Application deadline: 31 July 2008
Website: http://www.postgrad uatestudentships .co.uk/node/ 3232
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