CRESI invites applications for an ESRC/Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) Collaborative Studentship on “Modeling and analysing spatial patterns of digital exclusion” (Supervisor: Dr Ben Anderson).
This studentship, jointly funded by the ESRC and the Welsh Assembly Government will start on October 1st 2009 (3 years, full time) and is intended to explore a range of methods for modeling and analysing the small area (i.e. lower than local authority level) spatial distribution of social and digital exclusion with a particular focus on Wales.
Recently work conducted at the University of Essex and funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the ESRC has adapted ‘spatial microsimulation‘ re-weighting techniques to the estimation of small area levels of income deprivation, child poverty and digital exclusion. These preliminary studies have demonstrated the potential value of this approach not only to the estimation of small area social indicators but also to the estimation of within-area inequalities and to the modelling of the spatial effects of potential policy interventions such as those outlined in recent government proposals.
The objectives of the proposed project, which would be developed through discussions between the student, supervisor and the WAG could therefore include:
- The development of a novel ‘digital exclusion’ framework for use at the small area level
- Investigation of and development of methods to characterise ‘confidence levels’ for small area estimates produced using spatial microsimulation;
- The application of these developments to the estimation of small area indicators of digital exclusion with a focus on within as well as cross-area measures;
- The implementation of ‘ground checking’ fieldwork in specific locales in Wales to validate some of the estimation results
In addition to the research programme the studentship will involve periods of secondment to the WAG in each of the three years of study. Although pursuing their own research agenda the student will be expected to work closely with and contribute to the research team and the programme in which they will be embedded.
The studentship would suit a quantitative social scientist with evidence of suitable research training. Normally this would be in the form of a relevant (e.g. ESRC recognised) Masters degree with a strong research training element.
The ESRC’s eligibility regulations apply to this award.
Further information:
Further details are available.
How to Apply:
For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Ben Anderson (benander@essex.ac.uk).
To apply please email a CV and covering letter (both in pdf format) outlining the reasons for your interest in the studentship to Michelle Hall (Graduate Administrator) at mehall@essex.ac.uk.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 17:00 Friday 1st May 2009 with interviews planned for Friday 8th May 2009.
