PhD Studentship: Innovation, Operations and Supply Management research group

College of Business and Law at the University of the West of England in Bristol invites applications for a fully funded PhD studentship with the Innovation, Operations and Supply Management research group

Application Deadline: 18 January 2026 

Start date: 1 April 2026

Innovation, Operations and Supply Management (IOMS) Research Group explores how organisations innovate, operate, and adapt within complex global systems. We invite expressions of interest for a PhD project that critically examines how organisations navigate operational challenges to foster innovation, resilience, and equity.

Projects should align with the UWE RISE agenda and may focus on public, private, and not-for-profit sectors at regional, national, or international levels. We welcome diverse methodological approaches, provided they are feasible for the proposed project.

The research should explore how innovation and operations shape inclusive futures, particularly in relation to sustainability, digital transformation, and social equity.

Indicative themes include (but are not limited to):

• How individuals and organisations enact innovation and agency in constrained/challenging environments.
• Relationships between digital transformation, mental wellbeing, and sustainable performance in emerging forms of work.
• The design of smart and connected systems (e.g. homes, workplaces, or supply chains) that drive inclusion and behavioural change.
• Ethical and inclusive procurement and supply management as drivers of social and economic resilience

Further details on members, potential supervisors and research activities  are available on the IOMS webpage.  

For general enquiries about project proposals, please contact Professor Wendy Phillips.

Students at the College benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from the Doctoral Academy, including extensive professional development programme and research skills training. Find out more at www.uwe.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-study/about-the-graduate-school

Funding details

The studentship is available from 1 April 2026 for 3 years, subject to satisfactory progress, and includes a tax-exempt stipend of £20780 per annum, and full-time home/international fees.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must have at least 2.1 degree in business management, innovation studies, supply chain management, or a cognate discipline, and preferably Masters degree (with average programme mark of no less than 65%, UK grading scale/international equivalent).

A recognised English language qualification is required. IELTS score of 7.0 overall, or equivalent.

Application

1. Prepare your research proposal – maximum 5 pages all-inclusive; font size 11, 1.5-spacing, 2-inch margins. Indicative contents: research context/rationale, literature review, research focus/objectives/research questions, proposed methodology, expected contribution of the project. Development of research proposal should happen in consultation with the potential supervisor. You should contact potential supervisor with an advanced draft of the proposal to confirm they are willing to support your application.
2. Submit your application online

Provide reference number: 25-26-April-CBL0

Documentation: you will need to upload your research proposal, degree certificates and transcripts and proof of English language proficiency as attachments to your application.

References: you will need to provide details of two referees as part of your application. At least one referee must be an academic from the institution that conferred your highest degree. Please ensure your nominated referees are able to provide references within 14 days of your application. 

Application Deadline:

18 January 2026; 6pm (UK)

Further information

Interviews will take place online in February. If you have not heard from us by 28 February 2026 – thank you for your application but on this occasion you have not been successful.

Queries about the studentship - please contact Paweł Capik; pawel.capik@uwe.ac.uk  

Queries about project proposal – please contact Wendy Phillips; wendy.phillips@uwe.ac.uk

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