Certification Body • 2 mins read
UKAS is working in collaboration with Aston Business School (as part of Midlands Graduate School), to offer a new Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) PhD Studentship, starting in October 2024.
This activity will support the ongoing research project Economic Analytics in Focus: Charting the Course of UK Business Competitiveness through Standards and Certification Insights.
Project overview
The project specifically examines the impact of standards and certification on various aspects of UK businesses, such as management, productivity, innovation, performance, and resilience. By leveraging firm-level data, the research aims to evaluate trade policies, emphasising the significance of accredited certification and international standards in amplifying the UK’s export potential.
Positioned at the intersection of economic analysis and industrial policy, this project aims to bridge critical knowledge gaps and generate impactful research. The successful candidate will have the opportunity for academic and professional growth, working closely with Professor Cher Li and Professor Jun Du at the Centre for Business Prosperity, Aston Business School. Collaborative input from UKAS will further enrich the research and ensure its relevance to real-world challenges.
The research methodology for this project encompasses a broad spectrum of techniques, including panel data analysis, policy evaluation, causal inference, text analysis, and field experiments. While prior familiarity with these methods is beneficial, comprehensive postgraduate training will be provided to equip the candidate with the necessary skills.
Potential candidates
Applicants for this position will have a strong background in quantitative social science or related fields, including economics, business and management studies, social statistics, and applied mathematics. It is not essential to have a master’s degree as post graduate training will be provided as part of the DTP programme.
The successful PhD candidate will have placement opportunities at UKAS, merging academic research with practical industry and policy applications. The placement will combine rigorous economic analysis, data management, applied research, policy advisory, dynamic knowledge exchange, comprehensive capacity building and active stakeholder engagement, ensuring a rich, professionally rewarding experience.
Applying for the role
More information about this opportunity, including available financial support and application forms, can be found here.
Please include an anonymised CV and cover letter with your application. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to provide transcripts and two references. The deadline for applications is 17:00 on 29 February 2024.