EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Creating Our Lives in Data (Horizon CDT)

We are looking for 13 talented and enthusiastic students to join the Horizon Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) from September 2019. We are an interdisciplinary Centre and welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds including computer science, engineering, mathematics, human factors, psychology, sociology, business, geography, social science and the arts. Applicants must possess an excellent first degree and demonstrate an enthusiasm for transdisciplinary research.

Our EPSRC funded Creating Our Lives in Data programme, aims to establish technologies and methods to enable producers and consumers in the Digital Economy to co-create smarter products in smarter ways, to re-establish trust in the use of personal data. Smarter products combine physical and digital technologies to deliver personalised blends of goods, services and user experiences. These are made through co-creation and data creativity in which consumers actively engage in shaping the products they use.

Our students are innovating applications across sectors including consumer goods and food, creative industries, high value products, and health and wellbeing – seeking out new synergies between them. We do not expect that every student will be an expert in all of the areas mentioned above; our aim is to train people to work in transdisciplinary teams, ready to become future leaders in industry, the third sector and academia.

Our innovative four year PhD programme combines research, technical and professional skills training, an internship with a partner organisation, and opportunities for international exchanges. The programme is led by Professor Steve Benford, previously an EPSRC Dream Fellow, Visiting Researcher at Microsoft, the BBC’s first Visiting Professor, and the recipient of four BAFTA nominations; and Professor Sarah Sharples, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, who led the Human Factors Research Group, and is Past President of the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics.

You will benefit from:

• A fully-funded four year PhD programme that integrates a leading-edge research project with research training in transdisciplinary skills.
• An internship with one of our partners and opportunities for international exchange
• An enhanced stipend of £17,000 per annum
• Being part of a cohort of high achieving PhD researchers.
• A world class research environment with a proven track record of successful Horizon CDT graduates.
• Developing highly sought after interdisciplinary skills and experience.

The minimum entry requirement is a 2.1 undergraduate degree. For non-native English language speakers an IELTS average score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any element is required.

We have 13 fully funded places for UK/Home and EU students to join our next cohort in September 2019. We also welcome applications from those in receipt of four year independent funding/scholarships.

Find out more on the Horizon CDT website

Closing date: 11th March 2019.
Proposed interview dates: early April 2019.