At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research in social sciences with a focus on AI and circular economy.
- Company: Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University, known for innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Annual stipend of £23,985, tuition fee waiver for UK students, and training expenses.
- Other info: Applications open until August 2026; flexible start dates available.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic research environment and contribute to impactful projects shaping the future.
- Qualifications: Master’s degree in relevant fields and strong research skills required.
The predicted salary is between 23985 - 23985 £ per year.
Edinburgh Business School at Heriot‑Watt University is offering two full‑time PhD studentships funded by the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to start in the 2026‑27 academic year (either September or January entry is possible). The studentships include a tuition fee waiver for UK fees only, an enhanced annual stipend currently set at £23,985 (10 % above the standard UKRI rate), and an expenses allowance of £3,500 for training and research costs. The duration of the studentships is 3.5 years. Overseas students are eligible to apply, but must be able to demonstrate how they would cover the difference between the UK and overseas fees.
Project areas:
- AI and Causal Inference for Labour Market Resilience: This PhD project will develop new empirical approaches to understand how AI‑driven technological change reshapes the structure and resilience of labour markets by combining large‑scale vacancy data with modern natural language processing, network analysis, and causal inference methods. Specific applications may include constructing geographically granular measures of AI exposure and adaptation capacity at the commuting‑zone level to analyse impacts on employment dynamics, wages, worker mobility, and regional divergence.
- Financing the Circular Economy Transition: This PhD project will investigate how finance and investment can accelerate the CE transition across areas such as electronics, cooling, heating, and hard‑to‑recycle materials. Potential research topics include the financial performance of circular business models, sustainable and transition finance, and the role of institutional investors in supporting circular innovation and resource security.
General entry criteria: Applicants should have an undergraduate degree with a minimum classification of 2:1 in a field relevant to the project for which they are applying. Candidates for whom English is a second language should meet the University’s minimum English‑language requirements. The minimum overall IELTS score is 6.5 with no score lower than 6.0 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.
Application process: Applicants should submit their application via Heriot-Watt University. When completing the online application form, please indicate that you are applying to the ‘EBS EPSRC 2026 PhD scholarship competition’ in the field that asks how you will fund your studies.
Documents required:
- A full Curriculum Vitae.
- Copies of full academic transcripts from all previous academic degree courses and copies of degree certificates for degrees already awarded.
- A brief covering letter outlining why you want to study for a PhD at Heriot‑Watt University, and what makes you an excellent candidate.
- An outline research proposal (max. 1500 words).
Interviews will be conducted via video conferencing (e.g. Zoom or similar). Interview support for those with disabilities will be available where required.
Edinburgh Business School EPSRC PhD Studentships employer: Centre for Financing a Sustainable Future
Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive research environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With generous funding packages for PhD students, including an enhanced stipend and opportunities for professional development, the school prioritises the growth of its researchers while being situated in the culturally rich city of Edinburgh, known for its academic excellence and diverse community. This unique combination of resources, mentorship, and location makes it an ideal place for aspiring scholars to thrive and contribute to impactful research in social sciences.
Contact Details:
Centre for Financing a Sustainable Future Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Edinburgh Business School EPSRC PhD Studentships
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Centre for Financing a Sustainable Future.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Centre for Financing a Sustainable Future!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Centre for Financing a Sustainable Future, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Centre for Financing a Sustainable Future or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Edinburgh Business School EPSRC PhD Studentships
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Centre for Financing a Sustainable Future:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Centre for Financing a Sustainable Future! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Centre for Financing a Sustainable Future
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
