PhD Studentship: Food production, care work, and dietary inequalities in UK food systems

The project: Food provision, care work, and dietary inequalities in UK food systems

We invite applications for a PhD studentship (three years) on the intersections of UK food systems, care work, and dietary practices, grounded in social reproduction approaches. Hosted by the University of Bristol Business School within the Obs-FSSR international partnership (South Africa, Ghana and UK), the studentship combines feminist quantitative methods across disciplines. The candidate will work with large-scale UK datasets, contribute to interdisciplinary and mixed-methods research, and engage with stakeholders including policymakers and NGOs. Supervisors are Dr Fiorella Picchioni and Dr Lucy McCarthy, and the student will help co-develop the research direction within the Obs-FSSR framework.

How to apply:

Stage 1: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) – Completion of the EOI form is mandatory. Only those who receive a positive response will be invited to proceed to the formal application stage.

EOI link: EoI-PhD Studentship: Food provision, care work, and dietary inequalities in UK food systems – Fill in form

Stage 2: Formal Application (By Invitation Only) – If you are successful in Stage 1, you will be invited to submit a formal application (instructions to follow).

Stage 3: Interview - Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend interviews.

Candidate requirements:

• A first-class honours degree (or international equivalent) or very strong upper-second class honours degree (2:1) in Economics, Development Studies, Gender Studies, Quantitative Human Geography, Public Health, Sociology, Social Policy, Data Science, or another quantitatively focused discipline. A Postgraduate Masters degree with Distinction (or international equivalent), or a very strong Merit award with a distinction in the research component. Demonstrated competence in quantitative data analysis and/or causal inference methodologies, such as regression modelling, panel analysis, time-use analysis.
• Proficiency in statistical programming languages (Stata, R, Python), with verifiable experience in handling large datasets, survey analysis, or applied econometrics.
• Strong communication skills for disseminating findings to academic, policy, and community stakeholders.

This is a position based in Bristol, United Kingdom. This is not a remote work position.

Visit the following link to view the University of Bristol EDI commitments:

EDI Policy Statement | Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Team | University of Bristol

Funding: University of Bristol Business School PhD Bursaries are for four years, starting in autumn 2026. The bursary also provides full tuition fees (for either home/EU or international students), and a stipend at the rate of at least £20,780 per annum, paid in instalments, and additional GTA income, which will depend on the hours worked.

Contacts: business-school-pgr@bristol.ac.uk

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