UK: PhD Position “Biomimicry: Business Management Innovations Inspired by Nature”

Deadline: 15 Feb. 2013
 Marie Curie ITN: Early Stage Researcher (ESR)

University of Exeter -University of Exeter Business School

An Early Stage Researcher post is available immediately, funded as part of a PF7 Marie Curie Initial Training Network: Innovation for Sustainability (I4S). The 3 year post includes a PhD programme within the University of Exeter Business School. The successful applicant will:
(1) Design and undertake research to explore innovations in management for sustainability inspired by nature: ‘biomimicry’. Special focus of the research is how business can learn from nature’s principles to be more adaptive and resilient in volatile times.
Biomimicry, or the conscious emulation of nature’s designs, is not a new topic in the wider sustainable business literature nor within the product design field. Concepts such as the eco-efficiency, eco-effectiveness, cradle to cradle manufacturing, and the circular economy have been inspired by nature’s patterns and principles. However, what is less well understood is how organisational and management processes and systems can learn from nature’s patterns to be resilient, given current sustainability challenges.
(2) Undertake an extensive literature review of academic and practitioner journals and periodicals to scope schools of thought, relevant concepts, themes, case studies and gaps in knowledge, focussing on biomimicry and sustainable business.
(3) Undertake primary research involving a 6 month research secondment organised in collaboration with academic supervisors and project partners, ATOS and WWF International. Expected primary research will include case studies, semi-structured interviews; participant observation, to explore the application of nature’s principles to management systems and models in more detail.
(4) Collaborate with academic supervisors in the Business School, University of Exeter, project partners ATOS and WWF International, and the wider EABIS-led consortium.
Applicants will possess an undergraduate degree (2:1 or above) or equivalent in relevant business and/or sustainability fields and excellent written and verbal communication skills. They must be eligible to be appointed as an Early Stage Researcher in the UK under the EC Framework 7 Early Stage Training Scheme. This is currently defined as;
-          Be in the first four years (full time equivalent) of their research careers starting at the date of obtaining a degree formally entitling them to embark on a doctorate in the UK or in the country where they obtained their degree.
-          Not have or be currently studying towards a PhD.
Under the rules of the scheme European and International applications are welcomed, subject to the UK Border Agency regulations on the Right to Work in the UK. The post holder must not have resided or carried out his/her main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of his/her host organisation for more than 12 months in the 3 year immediately prior to his/her recruitment. Further details are here: http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/appmanager/participants/portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=cooperation.
Starting salary is from £19,056 up to £22,020, Grade D, depending on qualifications and experience. Additional allowances are payable in line with Marie Curie FP7 requirements for ESRs. The successful applicant will be enrolled on a PhD and will use the research performed in this post to form part of their studies.

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