Applications are invited for a fully-funded three year PhD to commence in October 2025.

The PhD will be based in the School of Civil Engineering and Surveying in the Faculty of Technology, and will be supervised by Dr Lee Woods (School of Civil Engineering and Surveying), Yvonne Howard (Director of Student Racial and Equity) and Dr Charles Leddy-Owen (School of Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics, and Literature). Additionally there will be an industrial supervisor from the National Nuclear Laboratory.

The project is fully funded with the support of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority to cover tuition fees, an annual student stipend of circa £20,600, travel and accommodation, consumables and conference attendance fees.

The work on this project will involve:

● Ethnographic observations embedded within nuclear industries

● Action research workshops

● Designing interventions in collaboration with industry executives

Project description

It is recognised that women and minoritised ethnicity individuals are under-represented in the engineering sector. However, there is limited literature on the nuclear sector specifically. These tend to explore recruitment from the 'supply-side' through outreach programmes (Bourham and Marshall, 2007). Other studies have investigated cultural diversity and technical innovation in the sector, pointing to the 'diversity-dividend' found in other industries (https://inis.iaea.org/records/vrjb6-b1b40). However, much less is known about how the cultures and context affect recruitment in the UK nuclear settings that tend to be located in less populated areas. This project will use qualitative methods to “see” the culture and context of the industry through the eyes of those working in the industry, with a focus on differences experienced based on gender and ethnicity. Ethnographic observations in the field, followed by semi-structured interviews, will be used to draw out key themes and concepts. This will help to inform a series of interventions designed in collaboration with managers in the sector. These may draw on intervention approaches previously developed at UoP, including Brave Space discussions, Growth Mindset workshops, and collaborative programmes with engineering industries to diversify degree-apprentices. The outcomes will be measured through pre/post-intervention surveys, with the intended outcomes being a greater level of understanding as to the reasons for the under-representation of women and minoritised ethnicity individuals in the sector, and greater buy-in from all groups to ongoing actions to address this.

The project will adopt qualitative research methods, including ethnography and action research, to understand the nuanced issues for under-represented groups in the nuclear sector (particularly, but not limited to, people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds, and women), and experiences and understanding of ED&I for the “over-represented” groups. New insights will be generated through ethnographic observations whilst embedded in the field, which will inform actions aimed at bringing all parts of the current and potential workforce together, increasing a sense of cohesion and community within the workforce. The aim will be to develop a plan and a range of policies, processes and practices that will help address the underrepresentation in the nuclear industry that all sectors of society can support.

General admissions criteria

You'll need a good first degree from an internationally recognised university (minimum upper second class or equivalent, depending on your chosen course) or a Master’s degree in an appropriate subject. In exceptional cases, we may consider equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.

Specific candidate requirements

The project spans multiple domains including STEM, Sociology, and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. As such, the project may be suitable for a candidate with either a sociology background with demonstrable interest and experience in STEM subjects and industries, or conversely, a STEM academic background and demonstrable interest/experience in social research and ED&I. The ideal candidate will be comfortable in presenting work and engaging in structured discussions with a variety of stakeholders in different, and potentially challenging, contexts. Appreciation of the experiences of minoritised and/or marginalised groups in the workplace, either through academic study or professional experience would be welcomed. Due to the need to spend considerable periods of time embedded in the nuclear industrial context, security vetting will be required. The successful applicant will be required to sign a tripartite agreement with the project funders and the university.

How to Apply

We’d encourage you to contact Dr Lee Woods (lee.woods@port.ac.uk) to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting the project code.

When you are ready to apply, you can use our online application form. Make sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV. Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process.

If you want to be considered for this funded PhD opportunity you must quote project code SCS50470625 when applying. Please note that email applications are not accepted.

University of Portsmouth

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