At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research on AI's impact on labour markets or finance for a circular economy.
- Company: Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University, a leader in innovative research.
- Benefits: Annual stipend of £23,985, tuition fee waiver, and training expenses allowance.
- Other info: Flexible start dates and opportunities for international students.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and contribute to vital research shaping the future of work and sustainability.
- 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
Artificial intelligence is transforming labour markets, yet credible evidence on its long‑term economic impact remains limited by the absence of robust measures of AI adoption, diffusion, and labour market adjustment. 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. Rather than focusing solely on task automation, the project will investigate how labour markets adapt (or fail to adapt) to AI‑driven shocks, with particular attention to regional resilience, labour market coordination, and inequality. 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, as well as evaluating whether the diffusion of large language models (LLMs) is itself reshaping labour demand by changing hiring behaviour, accelerating skill volatility, and altering the coordination mechanisms through which workers and firms are matched. By integrating scalable measurement with credible causal designs, the project will generate novel evidence on how AI adoption propagates through labour markets and how economies adjust to rapid technological change, contributing to both methodological advances and policy‑relevant insights on labour market resilience and inequality. Supervisory team: Prof. Cristina Tealdi and Dr Yannis Kostas. Candidates interested in this project area are encouraged to contact Prof. Tealdi at c.tealdi@hw.ac.uk for an informal discussion about their research proposal prior to submitting their application. When submitting your application for this project area, please select the option ‘Economics PhD’ from the drop‑down list on the online application system. In addition to the standard entry criteria listed below, applicants for this project should note that a Master’s degree in Economics, Statistics, Mathematics or Computer Science is essential. - Financing the Circular Economy Transition
The transition towards a circular economy (CE) is increasingly recognised as essential for achieving net‑zero targets, strengthening supply chain resilience, and reducing dependency on critical raw materials. However, significant financial, technological, and institutional barriers continue to constrain the uptake and scaling of circular business practices and investment. 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, circular supply chain investment; climate‑related financial risks; ESG and sustainability disclosure; and the role of institutional investors in supporting circular innovation and resource security. The project may also examine emerging issues such as AI‑enabled and agent‑based sustainability analytics, critical mineral dependency, and the resilience of global supply chains under geopolitical and environmental uncertainty. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research environment working at the intersection of finance, sustainability, and industrial transition. Supervisory team: Prof. Bing Xu and Dr Stefano Maiani. Candidates interested in this project area are encouraged to contact Prof. Xu at b.xu@hw.ac.uk for an informal discussion about their research proposal prior to submitting their application. When submitting your application for this project area, please select the option ‘Accountancy and Finance PhD’ from the drop‑down list on the online application system. In addition to the standard entry criteria listed below, applicants for this project should note that a Master’s degree in Finance, Sustainable Finance, Economics, Business Analytics, Data Analytics, Energy Finance, Accounting, or a related field is desirable. Experience with empirical research methods and programming languages such as Python, R, Stata, or Matlab is highly desirable. Familiarity with sustainability, climate finance, ESG, circular economy research, or industrial decarbonisation would be advantageous.
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. If you have not already studied a degree programme that was taught and examined in the medium of English, the minimum overall IELTS score is 6.5 with no score lower than 6.0 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. Please note that possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee shortlisting for interview.
Application process
Applicants should submit their application via https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/apply/uk/postgraduate.htm. 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. Please also ensure that you include the name of the Primary Supervisor in the relevant field.
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. If you are currently pursuing a degree course please provide all available marks to date. If your degree is from a non‑UK institution, please provide evidence of the UK equivalency of your qualification.
- 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). The proposal should clearly identify which project area has been selected by referring to the project title. You should also ensure that the name of the main contact for your project area listed above is included in your application when prompted to enter your proposed supervisor.
Interviews will be conducted via video conferencing (e.g. Zoom or similar). Interview support for those with disabilities will be available where required (e.g. a BSL interpreter). If you have any general queries about the applications process, please contact soss.pgradmissions@hw.ac.uk.
EPSRC PhD Studentships — Social Sciences (AI & Labour) 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 EPSRC PhD Studentships — Social Sciences (AI & Labour)
✨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
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✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
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✨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 EPSRC PhD Studentships — Social Sciences (AI & Labour)
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.
