PhD Studentship position in IRELAND – Beyond Opposition Project

We are reposting this Ph.D. studentship opportunity based on an email we received from prof. Kath Browne (kath.browne@ucd.ie).

Start date September 2020

University College Dublin invites applications for a fully-funded doctoral studentship for research within the area of transnational gender and sexualities studies. The successful candidate will be supervised by Prof. Kath Browne, Dr. Liz Ablett and Dr. Laine Zisman Newman, and will join a vibrant and diverse research community at UCD with internationally recognised expertise in sexualities and gender studies.

We welcome applications from students across social science and humanities discplines, who have a background in sexualities and gender studies. The successful candidate will become an important member of a transnational research project, Beyond Opposition. This is an European Research Council, Horizon 2020 Project that explores social polarisation in relation to sexuality and gender.

The scope of the PhD will be focused on a distinct phase of the overall Beyond Opposition project (www.beyondopposition.co.uk), which explores new ways of engaging with, and across, difference. As part of this work, the successful candidate will be involved in workshops which bring together people with very different views on sexualities and gender rights and equalities. The PhD student will be integral to the workshop design and outcomes, but will not be responsible for delivering the workshops.

The student will chart their own research project using the data gained from these workshops and the wider project, as well as key methodological insights. The student’s individual research project should align with the overall ethos and aims of the project. The exact choice of research focus will be decided with support from their advisors. The successful candidate will be willing to explore difficult and emotive issues, and engage in innovative qualitative methods.

The successful candidate will be part of a research team where interdisciplinary learning and transferable skills are nurtured and supported. They will develop important insights into the delivery and management of research projects. They will be encouraged to publish and invited to participate in project dissemination as appropriate. As well as the benefits of working within the project team, UCD offers a 4 year doctoral programme with extensive research training and support for developing transferable and employable skills within, and beyond, the academy.

Required:

• A 2:1 Honours and a Masters degree, or international equivalent, within social sciences or humanities.
• A demonstrable interest and experience in gender/sexualities studies and interdisciplinary research are essential.
• Experience of working with qualitative data such as participant observation, interviews, texts and/or appropriate qualitative analysis.
• Excellent writing standards as evidenced through recognition of written work as part of Undergraduate and Master’s degrees.
• Understand the importance of ethical procedures and compliance with GDPR and other data management protocols.
• Ability to work to deadlines and produce effective timelines that achieve key aims.
• Ability to work effectively within a team.

Desirable

• Engagements with scholarship in heteroactivism, anti-gender, gender ideologies and/or Christian Right will be an advantage.
• Publication of research material.

How to apply

To apply, send Kath.browne@ucd.ie an outline of a project idea which links to the overall research project (see www.beyondopposition.org) and the specific focus of this research on engaging across difference through workshops. You must also include a copy of your CV, Masters/Undergraduate transcripts and a covering letter outlining your motivation for applying, how you fulfil the criteria and what you believe that you would bring to the role. Applications should be received by 5pm (GMT) on May 15, 2020. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview with the advisory team.

This role will offer an EU fee waiver and student stipend of €18500. Terms vary for non-EU applicants.

Due to potential COVID19 restrictions, this PhD can be started remotely if necessary.

If you would like to informally discuss the role via email, please contact Prof Kath Browne on kath.browne@ucd.ie