This project explores the links between ICT infrastructures and
social
communities. The project will study how such ICT infrastructures, and
in particular broadband internet access, become localized within a
community; and the broader impacts this may have on social networks
and sense of place within a neighbourhood setting. It aims to provide
insights and formulate recommendations on how online social networks
can integrate with place-based communities in order to overcome
digital divides at a neighbourhood level.
Applications are invited from candidates for a 3 year full time PhD
studentship at Plymouth University under the supervision of Dr.
Katharine Willis and Professor Alessandro Aurigi.
The studentship pays for fees (at the UK home student rate) and
provides a £13726 per year stipend for the student for three years.
The project is part of a larger research project funded by the EU
Marie Curie programme and the European Regional Development Fund.
Studentship Description
The student will develop a theoretical approach around the topic of
the relationship between digital community and physical neighbourhood
as well as undertaking research using a range of quantitative and
qualitative methods, but with a focus on social network analysis. The
student will spend time undertaking fieldwork in four neighbourhoods
in Cornwall, in order to assess the social and spatial roles and
implications of internet infrastructures. The student will benefit
from interactions with researchers from a range of disciplines and
with project partners such as Superfast Cornwall/ERDF. BT, Citizen’s
Online and the local community organisations.
Person Specification
Applicants should have a Masters qualification in Architecture, Urban
Studies, Urban Sociology, Anthropology or another related discipline.
Applicants would be expected to have a clear interest in the impacts
of technologies on the use of public space and on social networks, and
an ability to undertake cross-disciplinary research with a strong
spatial component. Strong analytical skills are desirable, as is
experience of conducting fieldwork and an ability to work
independently. Candidates should have excellent written and oral
communication skills. We will actively support students in
disseminating the results of their work and the development of their
academic career.
How to apply for this position
Formal applications should be submitted using the application form
available at http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/pages/view.asp?page=32190
marking the application DIGITAL NEIGHBOURHOODS. Include a covering
letter outlining motivation, interest, and suitability for this
project, please e-mail to susan.matheron@plymouth.ac.uk. Please not
this is a specified project and we do not expect a project proposal
but an indication as to how you would approach the project. Do not
send the form to Central Admissions, as indicated on the application
form. Informal enquiries may be made before the submission date to
katharine.willis@plymouth.ac.uk.
The student would start his/her study on 1st October 2013.
Closing date for applications 12 noon on Friday 14th June 2013.
Shortlisted candidates will be notified by Friday 21st June 2013 and
will be invited to attend an interview on Friday 28th June 2013 in
Plymouth.
http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/AGM673/three-year-full-time-phd-studentship-in-digital-neighbourhoods/
Continue Reading...
communities. The project will study how such ICT infrastructures, and
in particular broadband internet access, become localized within a
community; and the broader impacts this may have on social networks
and sense of place within a neighbourhood setting. It aims to provide
insights and formulate recommendations on how online social networks
can integrate with place-based communities in order to overcome
digital divides at a neighbourhood level.
Applications are invited from candidates for a 3 year full time PhD
studentship at Plymouth University under the supervision of Dr.
Katharine Willis and Professor Alessandro Aurigi.
The studentship pays for fees (at the UK home student rate) and
provides a £13726 per year stipend for the student for three years.
The project is part of a larger research project funded by the EU
Marie Curie programme and the European Regional Development Fund.
Studentship Description
The student will develop a theoretical approach around the topic of
the relationship between digital community and physical neighbourhood
as well as undertaking research using a range of quantitative and
qualitative methods, but with a focus on social network analysis. The
student will spend time undertaking fieldwork in four neighbourhoods
in Cornwall, in order to assess the social and spatial roles and
implications of internet infrastructures. The student will benefit
from interactions with researchers from a range of disciplines and
with project partners such as Superfast Cornwall/ERDF. BT, Citizen’s
Online and the local community organisations.
Person Specification
Applicants should have a Masters qualification in Architecture, Urban
Studies, Urban Sociology, Anthropology or another related discipline.
Applicants would be expected to have a clear interest in the impacts
of technologies on the use of public space and on social networks, and
an ability to undertake cross-disciplinary research with a strong
spatial component. Strong analytical skills are desirable, as is
experience of conducting fieldwork and an ability to work
independently. Candidates should have excellent written and oral
communication skills. We will actively support students in
disseminating the results of their work and the development of their
academic career.
How to apply for this position
Formal applications should be submitted using the application form
available at http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/pages/view.asp?page=32190
marking the application DIGITAL NEIGHBOURHOODS. Include a covering
letter outlining motivation, interest, and suitability for this
project, please e-mail to susan.matheron@plymouth.ac.uk. Please not
this is a specified project and we do not expect a project proposal
but an indication as to how you would approach the project. Do not
send the form to Central Admissions, as indicated on the application
form. Informal enquiries may be made before the submission date to
katharine.willis@plymouth.ac.uk.
The student would start his/her study on 1st October 2013.
Closing date for applications 12 noon on Friday 14th June 2013.
Shortlisted candidates will be notified by Friday 21st June 2013 and
will be invited to attend an interview on Friday 28th June 2013 in
Plymouth.
http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/AGM673/three-year-full-time-phd-studentship-in-digital-neighbourhoods/
