Macrofinancial Institutional Design for the Climate Transition

An exciting opportunity to apply for a funded PhD position in the College of Business and Law, UWE Bristol.

Ref: 2324-OCT-FBL03

The expected start date of this studentship is 1 October 2023.

The closing date for applications is 4 June 2023.

About the college

College of Business and Law is host to a lively and challenging PhD programme. Students benefit from its modern facilities and a welcoming research environment comprising of diverse research groups and centres. The studentship reflects an ongoing commitment of the College of Business and Law at UWE Bristol to the development of its doctoral programmes.

Doctoral students at the college benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from UWE Bristol Doctoral Academy, including extensive professional development programme, research skills training and careers advice.

About the project

We are interested in project proposals which aim to develop policy-relevant analysis of macrofinancial institutional design for the climate transition. We welcome proposals focusing on the macroeconomics of the green transition including growth, industrial policy, fiscal policy and monetary policy. We also welcome proposals on the political economy of market-based finance, banks and pension funds in the green transition, which could explore, for example, the role of private equity/hedge funds from the point of view of the Finance Franchise – the idea that private financial activities are publicly funded, franchised and/or insured. Proposals may focus on institutional design in either the global North or the global South. Given Bristol Research in Economics expertise on finance and development, we welcome proposals on the political economy of extractivism and green transformations in the Global South. These could focus upon issues such as derisking as development and the Wall Street Consensus institutions and practices.

About Bristol Research in Economics

Bristol Research in Economics is an internationally recognised cluster of leading economists. We pursue innovative research at in intersection of Applied Microeconomics, Development, Economics Education, Economic History, Macrofinance, Political Economy and Regional Studies. Our critical perspective and expertise in a diverse range of methods underpins our unique approach to policy-relevant economics.

A supervisory team would be drawn from BRE staff depending on the focus of the project and availability. Potential supervisors include Dr Jennifer Churchill, Prof Daniela Gabor, Dr Jo Michell, Dr Fernando Rugitsky, Dr Carolyn Sissoko and Dr Lotta Takala-Greenish.

For an informal discussion of the research proposal please contact Dr Jo Michell at jo.michell@uwe.ac.uk.

For an informal discussion about the studentship, please contact Director of Doctoral Research, Dr Paweł Capik at pawel.capik@uwe.ac.uk.

The studentship is available from 1 October 2023 for a period of three and half years, subject to satisfactory progress and includes a tax exempt stipend, which is currently £17,668 per annum.

In addition, full-time tuition fees will be covered for up to three and a half years.

Applicants must have at least 2.1 degree in economics or a cognate discipline, and preferably Masters degree (with average programme mark of no less than 65%, UK grading scale or international equivalent).

A recognised English language qualification is required. IELTS score of 7.0 overall, or equivalent.

Please submit your application online. When prompted use the reference number 2324-OCT-FBL03.

1. Prepare your research proposal (no more than 5 pages all-inclusive; font size 11, 1.5-spacing, 2-inch margins). This should ideally happen in consultation with the potential supervisor. You should contact the potential supervisor with an advanced draft of the proposal to confirm they are willing to support your application.
2. Submit your formal application online.

Supporting documentation: You will need to upload your research proposal, all your degree certificates and transcripts and your proof of English language proficiency as attachments to your application, so please have these available when you complete the application form.

References: You will need to provide details of two referees as part of your application. At least one referee must be an academic referee from the institution that conferred your highest degree. Your referee will be asked for a reference at the time you submit your application, so please ensure that your nominated referees are willing and able to provide references within 14 days of your application being submitted.

The closing date for applications is 4 June 2023.

Interviews will take place in June/July 2023. If you have not heard from us by 30 of June 2023, we thank you for your application but on this occasion you have not been successful.