We’re looking for a UK/EU scholar to work with this multi-disciplinary team and our collaborative partner, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue (SYFR). Your research will build capacity in communities when dealing with emergencies, using social media.

The team

Alongside the team which includes experts from Sheffield’s triple-crown accredited Management School and world renowned School, you will focus on the role of a social media strategy in promoting community disaster resilience – both from a strategic and media communications perspective.

The project

The project will investigate online interactions between SYFR and local communities by examining its social media strategy (choice of social media channels, and benchmarking of current and best communication practices) and implementation (message content and citizen engagement).

We want this research to strengthen communities pre-, during or post-incident – context for this research will be taken from specific interactions in this area for SYFR and selected other blue light organisations. Findings should also explore how social media sites might help promote wellbeing within communities in the region.

Community resilience is an area of increasing interest for policy makers and public sector practitioners but is fragmented, in both theory and practice, and is lacking in rigorous evaluation. This research will address those needs. The project aims to provide new insights into how ‘blue light’ organisations such as SYFR utilise data gathered from these communities via these platforms, as well as how sites such as Facebook and Twitter can be used to promote community disaster resilience and encourage citizens to fully participate in disaster risk management and reduction initiatives.

Practical experience

As part of the project, the candidate will undertake an internship with SYFR in their communications team. You will have the opportunity to engage with local communities as part of the research.

How to apply

This funding is only available to applicants from the UK/EU. The candidate will have a good undergraduate degree (upper second, or above) in a relevant subject and ideally (but not essential) a good Master’s degree (merit or above). Experience of qualitative research methods is essential. Social media research experience is desirable but not essential.

Whilst the broad outline of the proposed studentship project is outlined above, the successful candidate shall shape the research focus in conjunction with the PhD supervisors and collaborative partner. Consequently, applicants are required to provide an outline research proposal on the topic outlined above. The proposal should be about 500–1000 words in length and should incorporate the following information:

• The main aims and objectives of your research
• Identification of links to any previous work (e.g. relevant academic literature and/or previous studies)
• Any resources available and any required
• The methods of research proposed and a plan and timetable of work

Information on writing a research proposal is available at here: www.sheffield.ac.uk/management/study/researchdegrees/proposal

For further information, or any queries, please contact one of the supervisors:

Dr. Martina McGuinness ([email protected])

Dr. Paul Reilly ([email protected])

Funding Details

One fully funded ESRC PhD studentship, open to UK and EU applicants only. The type of award will depend on the length of residency within the UK

Closing Date: 

Friday 16 June 2017 at 17.00 UK time

source: jobs.ac.uk