Funded PhD Studentships in the Origins and Spread of Spiritual Beliefs

Funded PhD Studentships in the Origins and Spread of Spiritual Beliefs

Project description: The Centre for Culture and Evolution at Brunel University London is offering 1 funded PhD studentship to study the origins and spread of spiritual beliefs. Human cultural capacities are uniquely expressed in spiritual belief, practice, and community. Our project applies cultural evolutionary theory (e.g., The Secret of Our Success, Henrich, 2017) to study how spiritual but not religious (SBNR) practitioners seek and build spiritual community, and how those communities shape the learning of new beliefs. Our project combines robust quantitative methods with context-rich observations and interviews, while engaging with participants and community groups to hear what our findings mean to them. We will test predictions derived from cultural evolutionary theory via a case study in the town of Glastonbury, England–a nexus of spirituality, home to diverse SBNR communities, and a destination for thousands of spiritual pilgrims annually.

Based in the College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences and co-funded by the “Spirits and Sources” Templeton Foundation Research Grant, this studentship offers a full-time annual London rate stipend estimated at £20,662 plus Home/EU tuition fees, for a maximum of 36 months.

The Department of Life Sciences holds a Silver Athena SWAN Award and is committed to equality of opportunity and advancing women’s careers.

The start date will be 01 October 2024.

Overview

The PhD studentship will involve a mixed-methods approach, including fieldwork in the town of Glastonbury, England using interview and observational methods.

The successful candidate will be supervised by an expert interdisciplinary team of researchers at the Centre for Culture and Evolution, Brunel University, who will provide full training for the research:

- Dr Michelle A Kline (Principle Investigator), CCE, Brunel University London

- Dr Aiyana Willard (Co-Principle Investigator), CCE, Brunel University London

- Dr Lora Adair (Co-Investigator), CCE, Brunel University London

- Dr Matthew Gervais (Co-Investigator), CCE, Brunel University London

For informal discussions, please contact Dr Lora Adair.

Eligibility

Candidates should have an undergraduate degree (first or upper second class) or equivalent qualification in psychology, anthropology, sociology, religious studies/theology or a related field. A Masters qualification in a relevant area would be desirable. Experience in qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods relating to social learning, religious/spiritual belief, or related cultural evolutionary research will be highly valued. Applicants who have not been awarded a degree by a University in the UK will be expected to demonstrate English language skills to IELTS 7.0 (minimum 6.5 in any section).

How to Apply

If you wish to apply, click on the 'Apply' button above and e-mail the following to chmls-pgr-officestaff@brunel.ac.uk by 1st April 2024.

Interviews will take place virtually in the week of 22nd April 2024.

• An up-to-date CV.
• A single-page A4 single-spaced personal statement describing why you are a suitable candidate (i.e. outlining your qualifications and skills).
• One example of your academic writing (e.g. an essay, a section from a dissertation).
• A summary of your teaching experience or your willingness to support teaching activities.
• Names and contact details for two academic referees.
• A copy of your highest degree certificate and transcript.
• A copy of your English language qualification, where applicable.

Short-listed applicants will be required to attend an interview. Shortlisted applicants will be instructed to submit a formal online application via Admissions.

For further information about how to apply, please contact the College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences Postgraduate Research Office.

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