Investigating the Socio-Economic Metabolism of Community Renewable Energy Projects

The Cork University Business School (CUBS) of University College Cork and the SFI Research Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine research (MaREI), invites motivated and talented graduates with outstanding academic records to apply for a PhD Scholarship for a project entitled “Investigating the Socio-Economic Metabolism of Community Renewable Energy Projects”. The supervisory team consists of Prof Valeria Andreoni (AIB Professor in Sustainable Business) and Bernadette Power (Senior Lecturer in Sustainable Business).

We are looking for a PhD candidate who is interested in investigating the role that local communities, policies, renewable energy projects and economic activities can have in shaping the transition to a low-carbon future. This PhD will complement and integrate a wide range of research and scholarship activities that University College Cork is currently undertaking within the Sustainable Future initiative.

Requirements
The successful candidate should be highly self-motivated with an ability to work independently and be willing to undertake recommended coursework. Strong quantitative skills and good communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential requirements. Applicants should have a good primary degree (First or Second Class Honours Grade I) and ideally hold an M.Sc. in an appropriate discipline (Economics or related). Please see the following link with regard to English Language requirements: https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/english/postgraduate/

Responsibilities and Duties

• To conduct a specified programme of research under the supervision and direction of the supervisory team.
• To engage in appropriate training and professional development opportunities as required by the supervisory team, School or College in order to develop research skills and competencies.
• To engage in the dissemination of the results of the research in which they are engaged, as directed by, with the support of and under the supervision of the supervisory team.
• To become familiar with the extant literatures and publication process.
• To acquire generic and transferable skills (including project management, business skills and postgraduate mentoring/supervision).
• To engage in the wider research and scholarly activities of the research group, School or College.
• To carry out administrative work to support the programme of research.
• To carry out additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

The PhD student will be based in the Department of Economics, Cork University Business School (CUBS) and will have the opportunity to engage in related research initiatives developed in various departments and research institutes at UCC. In line with this, the successful applicant will have a supportive and interdisciplinary supervisory team and will be provided with learning and networking opportunities to attain the highest standards of academic excellence.

Award
The Ph.D. Scholarship is funded by AIB. The student will be required to undertake coursework during the scholarship as part of the UCC Structured PhD programme. The scholarship funding includes a stipend with a value of €22,000 per annum for 3 years.

Further Information/Applications
Prof. Valeria Andreoni, Department of Economics, University College Cork, Cork.
Email: vandreoni@ucc.ie

Application Procedure
Submit an electronic copy of Curriculum Vitae, a letter of interest and writing samples (papers or reports) to Prof. Valeria Andreoni (vandreoni@ucc.ie)

Closing date 15 March 2024