Evaluating the Value of Urban Food
Background
We are inviting applicants for a PhD Graduate Teaching Studentship (GTS) exploring issues surrounding food security in urban areas. Urban food is growing in popularity and significance across the globe, with a variety of practitioners, policy makers and academics pursuing the concept. Urban food concerns the growing of vegetables and fruit in the city context and is seen as a response to the over-reliance on imported produce; making urban areas more resilient and addressing issues surrounding food security.
Amongst those pioneering this activity in the UK is Real Food Wythenshawe, a Big Lottery funded scheme which aims to support the residents of Wythenshawe to pursue healthier more low carbon lifestyles through the food they grow, cook and eat. The project will create urban food spaces across the area, using traditional growing techniques on derelict land and more experimental indoor growing systems. Wythenshawe is a deprived community so this project presents a real opportunity for community and economic development, through providing access to nutritious local food and enhancing food skills to support healthier lifestyles.
Research Topic
This research will explore the value of such activity with Real Food Wythenshawe: speaking with people engaged with the project whilst also using other research tools to build a picture of the activities. The successful candidate will evaluate the role urban food can play in community development, healthy food access and effecting dietary change. The GTS will be based within the School of Environment and Life Sciences at the University of Salford in Greater Manchester; academic supervision will primarily be conducted by Dr Michael Hardman. However, they will also be expected to work closely with the Real Food Wythenshawe team, coordinated by Jacqueline Naraynsingh.
This is a truly unique opportunity to pursue a doctorate whilst working closely with a live project concerning urban food. The University of Salford holds several research projects in the area, offering opportunity for international travel and collaboration. The ideal candidate will not only hold an outstanding academic record, with experience using qualitative techniques and possibly GIS, but they will also be a networker: able to work and embed themselves within the projects in Wythenshawe.
Eligibility and funding
You must have obtained, or be about to obtain a Masters degree or good UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK in a relevant subject.
The fully funded GTS will cover tuition fees for three years, as well as providing an annual tax free stipend of £13,590. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute towards teaching. This call is only open for UK/EU applicants.
Application details
The closing date for this post is Monday, 20th January 2014, with interviews held soon after. The anticipated start date for the successful candidate is the 1st April 2014.
For more information on the GTS contact Dr Michael Hardman (m.hardman@salford.ac.uk).
Applicants should follow this link to apply: http://www.salford.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/applying/applying-for-research
Please state Dr Michael Hardman as the supervisor and upload this template as your project proposal.