Early-stage research fellowship doing social simulation in the SAF21 Marie-Curie project, at the Centre for Policy Modelling, Manchester Metropolitan University

An early-stage researcher (ESR) fellowship position is available for a period of three years at the Centre for Policy Modelling at the Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) as part of the European Training Network (ETN), Social Aspects of Fisheries for the 21^st Century (SAF21). This is one of 10 ESR positions associated with SAF21 and involves doing research that results in obtaining a PhD.

The EC Funding for this position starts from £29,500 per year (depending on employer deductions, personal circumstances and the exchange rate to be notified by the EU), which includes an annual living allowance and a mobility allowance (to offset some of the expenses associated with working in a different country). Under the terms of the EU funding, which aims to promote mobility within the research community, you must NOT have been resident in the UK for more than 12 months in the past three years.

Applicants must either possess a good degree in a computer science (or closely related subject), and have a strong interest in social and ecological issues OR a good degree in a social or ecological science having had some programming experience. An interest in understanding the social and ecological aspects of fisheries management is essential. They should have strong oral and written communication skills. Other relevant experience is an advantage.

All candidates must fulfil the eligibility criteria set out at the end of this advert

The SAF21 project (http://saf21.org)

Innovative Training Networks (ITNs) aim to train a new generation of creative, entrepreneurial and innovative researchers, able to face current and future challenges, and to convert knowledge and ideas into products and services for the economic and social benefit of EU citizens. SAF21 is an interdisciplinary and intersectoral ITN that embeds social scientists of the future into the European Union fisheries management systems. It trains experts in the analysis of human social behaviour for the better management of socio-ecological complex systems such as fisheries. SAF21 includes multi- disciplinary scientific training, secondments in both academic and non-academic organisations, as well as courses in core skills with an emphasis on public engagement, science communication and outreach.

The project requires high mobility and applicants should be aware that they will be required to live for different periods of time in countries other than the United Kingdom several times during the three years of the PhD program, as well as travelling several times a year for meetings and training.

The ESR fellowship

This particular post will focus on analysing the workings of trust between fishers and regulators within the context of the fisheries management regimes, using the technique of agent-based social simulation.

It will review and develop models of risk perception and reaction applicable to fishers and regulators in order to develop a set of simulation models which encapsulate: (a) the decision making of actors, (b) the complex social processes involved and (c) the impact of regulatory regimes. This will include eliciting relevant information from key stakeholders.

The fellow is expected to work closely with other fellows employed on the SAF21 project.

Eligibility criteria of Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Networks European Training Networks. Only applicants who comply with the following conditions will be considered:

Conditions of mobility

Researchers are required to undertake trans-national mobility (i.e. move from one country to another) when taking up their appointment. One general rule applies to the appointment of researchers in a network:

At the time of selection by the host organization, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their host organization for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment. Short stays, such as holidays, are not taken into account.

Example A: a French researcher has moved to HOST COUNTRY for the first time and has carried out research there for the last six months. She can be appointed within an ETN team in HOST COUNTRY.

Example B: a HOST COUNTRY researcher has spent 11 months in HOST COUNTRY just prior to his appointment. Before that period he has been working in Italy for 3 years. Thus, he can be appointed in an ETN team in HOST COUNTRY.

Conditions of experience

Early-stage researchers (PhD candidates) are those who are, at the time of selection by the host institution, in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers. This is measured from the date when they obtained the degree which formally entitles them to embark on a doctorate, either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the research training is provided, irrespective of whether or not a doctorate was envisaged.

For more details go to: http://cfpm.org/saf21 or contact Bruce Edmonds (b.edmonds@mmu.ac.uk, +44 161 247 6479) if you want to know more about the project.