Rural areas across the UK and Europe face a persistent challenge. Despite offering high quality of life and environmental amenities, many continue to experience population decline, demographic ageing, and economic fragility. Why do some areas remain resilient while others struggle to retain residents and sustain local services? This PhD project will address this policy-relevant question by investigating the role of social capital and social assets in shaping rural development and population retention, recognising these processes as complex social dilemmas.
Jointly based at the University of Greenwich (London) and The James Hutton Institute (Aberdeen), the successful candidate will examine how social networks, civic participation, community engagement, and local social infrastructure contribute to the territorial resilience and residential attractiveness of rural areas. The project addresses a key challenge: overcoming a self-reinforcing cycle in which depopulation weakens local social structures, further accelerating out-migration.
The research will combine spatial analysis, econometrics, and behavioural methods to measure social capital and assess its effects on rural wellbeing and local economic development. The student will work with diverse datasets to map indicators of social capital, social infrastructure (e.g., presence of community centres, cultural institutions, pubs, etc.), accessibility, and socio-economic outcomes at a fine spatial scale. Scotland will serve as the primary case study, complemented by international comparisons with Italy in the first instance, given the prominence of its north-south divide in the social capital literature. Additional case studies may be incorporated where they align with the candidate’s linguistic expertise and research interests.
Alongside the analysis of territorial patterns, the project will investigate individual decision-making and collective action through surveys and/or behavioural experiments in Scotland. This component will explore how trust and cooperation emerge and influence local development outcomes.
The studentship provides advanced training in quantitative social science methods, including spatial econometrics, impact evaluation, experimental economics, and statistical analysis using Stata and R. The student will also engage with policymakers, rural stakeholders, and international research networks through The James Hutton Institute’s contribution to strategic rural research for the Scottish Government, ensuring strong policy relevance and impact.
We welcome applications from highly motivated candidates with backgrounds in development economics, economic geography, sociology, or related disciplines. Applicants with strong quantitative skills, or a willingness to develop them, are particularly encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will be expected to spend substantial periods in both London and Aberdeen and to engage actively with the research communities at both institutions.
Funding Notes
This 4yr PhD project is a competition jointly funded by The James Hutton Institute and the University of Greenwich via the UBEL Doctoral Training Partnership. Note that the James Hutton Institute will first select one or more eligible candidate who then needs to apply to UBEL when the project is advertised there in February 2027. This opportunity provides funding to cover a stipend and UK level tuition. International students may apply, but must fund the difference in fee levels. Students must meet the eligibility criteria as per UKRI guidance and will have a first-class honours degree in a relevant subject or a 2.1 honours degree plus Masters (or equivalent).
How to Apply:
To obtain application forms and further details of how to apply, please click 'Apply Now'. Please note that the closing date for applications is 11/01/2027.
Our Commitment to Equality and Diversity
Any applications that miss the deadline will not be considered.
Our Commitment to Equality and Diversity
We will not consider the use of 3rd party recruitment agencies for the sourcing of candidates for this position.
The James Hutton Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
The James Hutton Institute is a: Stonewall Diversity Champion; Athena SWAN Silver Status Holder; Disability Confident Committed Employer and a Living Wage Employer.
The James Hutton Institute is Happy to Talk Flexible Working.
The Company
The James Hutton Institute combines strengths in crops, soils and land use and environmental research, and makes a major contribution to the understanding of key global issues, such as food, energy and environmental security, and developing and promoting effective technological and management solutions to these.
James Hutton (1726 – 1797) was a leading figure of the Scottish Enlightenment, an eighteenth century golden age of intellectual and scientific achievements centred on Edinburgh. He is internationally regarded as the founder of modern geology and one of the first scientists to describe the Earth as a living system. His thinking on natural selection influenced Charles Darwin in developing his theory of evolution.
Our Values
PhD Student Vacancy. Social capital and social assets: The rural attractiveness–depopulation dilemma in Dundee employer: The James Hutton Institute
The James Hutton Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and promotes employee growth. With a commitment to flexible working and a focus on impactful research in ecological science, employees have the opportunity to engage in meaningful projects while benefiting from professional development and collaboration with a range of stakeholders. Located in a vibrant academic environment, the Institute fosters creativity and innovation, making it an ideal place for those looking to contribute to significant global challenges.
Contact Details:
The James Hutton Institute Recruitment Team
