Doctoral Research Projects • Irish Centre for Social Gerontology

About HOMeAGE

HOMeAGE involves a nine-country collaboration between leading research units, major intergovernmental organisations, international civil society actors and governmental and non-governmental organisations. HOMeAGE aims to institute an interdisciplinary, intersectoral, and international programme of doctoral training and research that drives the development of new leaders in excellence for the advancement of evidence-based innovation on ageing in place. HOMeAGE will address the three interconnected challenges of (1) needs and systems, (2) home and belonging and (3) rights and voice. The 12 Doctoral Researchers will be hosted across the network, and in addition to conducting an original research study they will participate in a 36-month network-wide training program, public engagement activities and collaboration with network members through short-term secondments in European intersectoral partner organisations.

*Please note, in some institutions PhD programmes are for a 48 month period – please see individual requirements for relevant university.

Essential language requirements

The working language of HOMeAGE is English. However, in many cases doctoral researchers will also be required to conduct field work in the countries of the host organisations meaning the local language will be required. This will be specified by the individual host organisation where appropriate.

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Doctoral Researcher Posts

Doctoral Researcher 1

Host: Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium
Primary Supervisor: Professor An-Sofie Smetcoren
Co-supervisor/mentors: Ann Petermans (Uhasselt), Tine Buffel (University of Manchester), Herwig Teugels (Kenniscentrum WWZ Brussels)
Duration: 36 months + 12 months

Required applicant profile: Highly motivated, independent and enthusiastic doctoral researcher with a strong interest in conducting original research on housing, exclusion and wellbeing in later life. A Master’s degree and excellent track record of academic achievement. Experience of working on or contributing to ageing/place and inclusion/policy research projects is essential. A good understanding of housing and ageing in research and policy across different countries is desirable.

Desired skills:

Attitude: Open-minded, curious, enthusiastic, and accurate; proactive, capable of working independently, and likes to work in a team; good organizational and communicative skills

Skills: Demonstrable experience of conducting mixed methods research: i.e. quantitative research skills, particularly in the areas of secondary data analysis using statistical software packages (e.g. Stata; R; SPSS); qualitative research skills (e.g., participatory, photovoice elicitation, interviews). Excellent online literature searching and retrieval skills and excellent communications skills in English both written and verbal. Any peer-reviewed publications will be considered an advantage.

Languages: Because of interactions with participants, it is preferable that the candidate also speaks Dutch, or has a willingness to learn Dutch and engage with the local context.

Project Objectives: Working as a part of the Needs and Systems work package, the successful applicant will complete a research project on: Housing systems, displacement and ageing in alternative housing models. Goal is to (1) analyse system-related mechanisms behind housing displacements among older women and men in urban and rural settings (2) identify innovative, collective housing models; (3) assess accessibility of models for vulnerable older adults, and their links to solidarity and care/support. Mixed-methods: interviews; participatory research; photo elicitation; secondary analysis (EU-SILC; SHARE).

Secondment(s): Secondment 1 with Tine Buffel (UoM)(4 months approx.) will provide insight into inequalities in lived experiences of home and housing environments. Secondment 2 with Herwig Teugels, (Kenniscentrum WWZ) (4 months approx.) will target norm-critical innovation and the inclusion-housing policy nexus.

Gross salary: € 29,532 per annum plus mobility and family allowances as applicable and in line with the EC rules for Marie Sklodowska Curie Doctoral Networks 2021.

For more information, contact: Professor An-Sofie Smetcoren: an-sofie.smetcoren@vub.be

Link to Advert: https://www.sarlab.be/projecten/wonen-en-woonomgeving/homeage

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Doctoral Researcher 2

Host: Tampere University, Finland (TAU)
Primary Supervisor: Professor Anu Siren
Co-supervisor/mentors: Assistant Professor Steve O’Hern (TAU), Dr. Francesco Barbarella (Istituto Nazionale di Riposo e Cura per Anziani – IRCCS INRCA), Dr. Susanne Nordbakke (Institute of Transport Economics – TOI)

Duration: 36 months + 12 months (optional). A trial period of six months applies to all new employees at Tampere University.

Required applicant profile: Highly motivated, independent and enthusiastic doctoral researcher with relevant Master’s degree, excellent track record of academic achievement and a strong interest in conducting original research on mobility and ageing in place. Interest in ageing, mobility and transport issues is essential. Experience of working on or contributing to ageing/place and transport research projects and a good understanding of ageing and mobility issues in research and policy across different countries is desirable.

Desired skills: Demonstrable experience of conducting quantitative research, particularly in the areas of secondary data analysis using statistical software packages (e.g. Stata; R; SPSS); evidence of the capacity to conduct qualitative research in real world settings. Excellent online literature searching and retrieval skills and excellent communications skills in English both written and verbal. Any peer-reviewed publications will be considered an advantage.

Project Objectives: Working as a part of the Needs and systems work package, the successful applicant will complete a research project on: New transport solutions, wellbeing, mobility and ageing in place. The objective of this research project is to investigate: (1) how new transport solutions (such as shared mobility, mobility as service, automated vehicles) comprising public and private aspects, affect wellbeing, mobility strategies and ageing in place; (2) how the links between transport solutions, mobility, and wellbeing may be gendered; and (3) how policies related to transport solutions may enhance late life mobility and ageing in place, given the intersecting effects of e.g., gender, age, socio-economic factors, and spatial location. The project may apply social science or civil engineering approaches in addressing the research questions.

Secondment(s): The applicant will undertake two secondments this includes secondment 1 with Dr. Francesco Barbarella (IRCCS INCA, Italy, 4 months approx.) and secondment 2 with Dr. Susanne Nordbakke (Norwegian Centre for Transport Research TOI, Norway, 4 months approx.).

Gross salary: €33,624.83 per annum plus mobility and family allowances as applicable and in line with the EC rules for Marie Sklodowska Curie Doctoral Networks 2021

Tampere University offers a wide range of staff benefits, such as occupational health care, flexible working hours, excellent sports facilities on campus, and several restaurants and cafés on campus with staff discounts. Please read more about working at Tampere University

For more information, contact: Professor Anu Siren, anu.siren@tuni.fi

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Doctoral Researcher 3

Host: Istituto Nazionale di Riposo e Cura per Anziani – IRCCS INRCA (Ancona, Italy) – PhD Enrolment: Università Politecnica delle Marche – UNIVPM (Ancona, Italy)
Primary Supervisor: Prof. Micol Bronzini (UNIVPM)
Co-supervisor/mentors: Dr. Giovanni Lamura (INRCA IRCCS) and Prof. Kieran Walsh (University of Galway, Ireland)
Duration: 36 months

Required applicant profile: A candidate with an above-average MSc (or equivalent degree) in sociology, health sciences, economy, political sciences or related fields. We expect a strong interest in research focusing on ageing, long-term care of older people and technologies for assisted living. Required skills include knowledge of the literature on these and related topics, and ability to carry out qualitative research (e.g. expert interviews, focus groups etc.) as well as quantitative analyses (e.g. using SPSS, STATA & equivalent tools), possibly combined into a mixed method approach.

Desired skills: Experience in the analysis of costs-benefits in relation to care quality and expenditures, and willingness to improve the knowledge of Italian language are also highly welcome. Any peer-reviewed publications will be considered an advantage.

Project Objectives: As a part of the Needs and systems work package, a project on Addressing spatial disparities of frail older people through care and support will be carried out by the successful candidate and will examine: (1) under which support and care conditions frail older people, living in underserved communities, are able to age in place; (2) what role technologies play in facilitating supported ageing in place in this vulnerable social group; (3) and develop new digital-health modalities for frail older adults ageing in place. Mixed-methods: secondary data analysis; expert interviews; qualitative interviews.

Secondment(s): The applicant will undertake two secondments. The first will be with Kieran Walsh (University of Galway, Ireland, 4 months approx.), and will focus on learning regarding social exclusion models in later life. Secondment 2 will be with Dr. Carlos Chiatti (Tech4Care SRL, Falconara, Italy, 4 months approx.), and will expose the DR to innovative technologies for ageing in place.

Gross salary: €39,739.20 per annum plus mobility and family allowances as applicable and in line with the EC rules for Marie Sklodowska Curie Doctoral Networks 2021.

For more information, contact: Prof. Micol Bronzini, m.bronzini@staff.univpm.it or Dr. Giovanni Lamura, g.lamura@inrca.it

Link to Advert: https://www.inrca.it/inrca/Files/Ricerca/PROJECT_DESCRIPTION_INRCA_UNIVPM.docx

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Doctoral Researcher 4

Host: Istituto Nazionale di Riposo e Cura per Anziani – IRCCS INRCA (Ancona, Italy) – PhD Enrolment: UNIVPM (Ancona, Italy)
Primary Supervisor: Prof. Marco Arlotti (Università Politecnica delle Marche – UNIVPM)
Co-supervisor/mentors: Dr. Francesco Barbabella (INRCA IRCCS) and Prof. A.S. Smetcoren (VUB, Belgium)
Duration: 36 months

Required applicant profile: A candidate with an above-average MSc (or equivalent degree) in sociology, health sciences, economy, political sciences or related fields. We expect a strong interest in research focusing on digital health technologies, ageing, housing, care, and mobility. Required skills include knowledge of the literature on these and related topics, and ability in carrying out qualitative research (e.g. expert interviews, focus groups etc.) as well as quantitative analyses (e.g. using SPSS, STATA or equivalent tools), possibly combined into a mixed method approach.

Desired skills: Experience in technology studies and policy analysis are merits. Willingness to improve the knowledge of Italian language is also highly welcome. Any peer-reviewed publications will be considered an advantage.

Project Objectives: As a part of the Needs and systems work package, a project on Technology-enhanced housing, care and mobility (HCM) in a post-pandemic context will be carried out by the successful candidate and will examine: (1) which new technologies improve older adult lives and address HCM needs; (2) HCM policies focussing on the introduction of new technology; (3) the socio-economic impact of technologies for: older people; informal carers (if present); housing markets; care systems and mobility. Mixed-methods: secondary data; survey; case studies; norm-critical innovation; interviews.

Secondment(s): The applicant will undertake two secondments. The first will be with An-Sofie Smetcoren (VUB, Belgium, 4 months approx.), and will focus on housing models for later life and European housing policy. Secondment 2 will be with Dr. Carlos Chiatti (Tech4Care SRL, Falconara Marittima, Italy, 4 months approx.), and will expose the DR to research on technology innovation.

Gross salary: €39,739.20 per annum plus mobility and family allowances as applicable and in line with the EC rules for Marie Sklodowska Curie Doctoral Networks 2021.

For more information, contact: Dr. Giovanni Lamura, g.lamura@inrca.it or Prof. Marco Arlotti, m.arlotti@staff.univpm.it

Link to Advert: https://www.inrca.it/inrca/Files/Ricerca/PROJECT_DESCRIPTION_INRCA_UNIVPM.docx

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Doctoral Researcher 5

Host: Goethe University Frankfurt/Main, Germany (GUF)
Primary Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Frank Oswald
Co-supervisor/mentors: Prof. Dr. Kieran Walsh (University of Galway), Dr. Jane Barratt (International Federation on Ageing – IFA)
Duration: 36 months

Required applicant profile: Highly motivated, independent and enthusiastic doctoral researcher with a strong interest in conducting original research on ageing and place in the post-digital age. A Master’s degree and excellent track record of academic achievement in either psychology, sociology or educational studies is required. Experience of working on or contributing to ageing research in intersection with any of the following: place, social inequalities, digitalisation, is essential. Required skills include knowledge of the literature on the above, and the ability to carry out qualitative research (e.g. interviews, focus groups) as well as work with quantitative data sets, and combining these into a mixed method approach where appropriate.

Desired skills: A good understanding of ageing issues and environmental change in policy across different countries is desirable. So is experience in using statistical and qualitative research packages (e.g. STATA, R, MAXQDA or equivalent tools). Willingness to improve German speaking skills or learn the language is explicitly welcomed. Any peer-reviewed publications will be considered an advantage.

Project Objectives: Working as a part of the Home and Belonging work package, the successful applicant will complete a research project on: Digital (in)equalities and belonging for ageing in place. The objective of this research project is to investigate: (1) the relevance of digitalisation strategies across diverse groups of people ageing in place; (2) how older people learn new ICT skills, and how this is influenced by gender and class; and (3) how diverse groups of older people use ICT skills in daily life to augment agency and belonging in place. It is expected that this project will involve mixed methods, such as focus groups, interviews, and ambulatory assessments of ICT.

Secondment(s): The successful applicant will complete two 4-month secondments. The first will take place in Ireland at the Irish Centre for Social Gerontology (ICSG), University of Galway, which will expose the researcher to theories concerning social inequalities in later life. The second with the International Federation on Aging (IFA) in Canada, which will stimulate learning about policy development and dissemination internationally to improve the lives of older people.

Gross salary Approximate annual salary of €38,000 including mobility allowance but excluding family allowance.

For more information, contact: Prof. Dr. Frank Oswald, oswald@em.uni-frankfurt.de and consult the GUF webpage: https://www.uni-frankfurt.de/53188950/IAW

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Doctoral Researcher 6

Host: Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, The Czech Republic (MUNI) Primary Supervisor: Mgr. Lucie Vidovićová, PhD.
Co-supervisor/mentors: Doc. PhDr. Csaba Szaló, PhD. (MUNI), MA. Jan Lorman (Gerotnologický institut, o.p.s., Prague, Czechia), Prof. Dr. Frank Oswald (Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany)
Duration: 36 months

Required applicant profile: Highly motivated, independent and enthusiastic doctoral researcher with a strong interest in conducting original research on ageing, diverse place contexts and exclusionary processes. A Master’s degree and excellent track record of academic achievement. Experience of working on or contributing to ageing/place and inclusion/policy research projects is essential. A good understanding of intersectionality, diverse environments and ageing research and policy is desirable.

Desired skills: Experience with social science research projects and a strong knowledge of mixed methodology; Willingness to learn; Ability to work autonomously on the research topic; Ability to work in a team, problem-solving skills, thoroughness, perseverance; Proficiency in English. Willingness to improve the knowledge of Czech or the Slovak language is highly welcome. Any peer-reviewed publications will be considered an advantage.

Project Objectives: As a part of the Home and Belonging work package, the objectives of the Ageing in unusual places and ageing out of place research project is to investigate: (1) ageing in unusual/segregationist places: custodial (prisons), closed (friaries; nursing homes), transient (homeless shelters) sites and similar; (2) alternative meanings of home for these populations, addressing gender and diversity aspects of displacement; (3) how this analysis can be used to refine person-environment (P-E) models. It is expected that this project will involve intersectional approaches and in-depth narrative interviews.

Secondment(s): The successful applicant will complete two 4-month secondments. The first will take place at the Goethe University (GUF, Frankfurt am Main, Germany) which will expose the researcher to learning on P-E fit models and how they can apply to diverse settings. Secondment with Jan Lorman (Gerontologický Institut o.p.s., Prague, Czechia)will expose the applicant to advocacy and rights agendas relevant to ageing out of place.

Gross salary: €29,496 per annum incl. Mobility Allowance as applicable in line with the EC rules for Marie Sklodowska Curie Doctoral Networks 2021. Additionally, Family Allowance if applicable and in line with the EC rules for Marie Sklodowska Curie Doctoral Networks 2021.

More information, contact: Lucie Vidovićová, vidovicova@fss.muni.cz, tel. +420602515886

Link to advert: https://www.muni.cz/o-univerzite/kariera-na-mu

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Doctoral Researcher 7

Host: University of Galway, Ireland
Primary Supervisor: Professor Kieran Walsh
Co-supervisor/mentors: Stephen O’Neill, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM); Chris Ryan, Department of Health (DoH); Frank Oswald, Goethe University Frankfurt (GUF).
Duration: 36+12 months

Required applicant profile: The successful candidate will be a highly motivated, independent and enthusiastic doctoral researcher with a strong interest in conducting original research on community and personal change in later life. They will have a high honours standard in a Master’s degree (level 9) and an excellent track record of academic achievement. Experience of working on or contributing to ageing, place and inclusion or health research projects is essential. The successful candidate should also have a good understanding of ageing issues and environmental change in research and policy across different countries.

Desired skills: Demonstrable experience of conducting quantitative research, particularly in the areas of secondary data analysis using statistical software packages (e.g. Stata; R); evidence of the capacity to conduct qualitative research in real world settings (e.g. qualitative case study design, and associated methods). Excellent online literature searching and retrieval skills and excellent communications skills in English, both written and verbal. A capacity to work in an international team and multi-disciplinary environments would be highly welcomed. Any peer-reviewed publications will be considered an advantage.

Project Objectives: Working as a part of the Home and Belonging work package, the successful applicant will complete a research project on: Change processes, social connectedness and positive health in place. The objective of this research project is to investigate: (1) how environmental change (population; development; housing) intersects with personal life transitions to influence place belonging for diverse groups; (2) how these processes link to, and how individual and community-level place-making actions (including housing/care options) foster, positive health.

Secondment(s): The applicant will undertake two secondments of approximately 4 months duration. This includes secondment 1 with F. Oswald (Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany) and secondment 2 with Chris Ryan, (Department of Health, Dublin, Ireland) (4m).

Gross salary: €35,836.82 per annum plus mobility and family allowances as applicable and in line with the EC rules for Marie Sklodowska Curie Doctoral Networks 2021.

More information, contact: Professor Kieran Walsh – kieran.walsh@universityofgalway.ie

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Doctoral Researcher 8

Host: University of Galway, Ireland
Primary Supervisor: Professor Kieran Walsh
Co-supervisor/mentors: Marie Mahon, University of Galway; Nat O’Connor, Age Action; Liesbeth De Donder, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB).
Duration: 36 +12 months

Required applicant profile: The successful candidate will have a strong critical focus, with an interest in policy processes and issues related to rural ageing, and care, both in Ireland and other European and International contexts. They will possess a Master’s degree (level 9; high honours grade) and an excellent track record of academic achievement. Demonstrable experience in working on or contributing to research projects related to right and inclusion, and/or ageing in place is essential. The successful candidate will be a highly motivated, independent and enthusiastic doctoral researcher.

Desired skills: Demonstrable experience of conducting mixed-method research is desirable, with a strong knowledge of case-study approaches (with qualitative methods), secondary analysis (e.g. using STAT; R), and critical discourse analysis is particularly welcomed. Familiarity with intersectional approaches in theory, data collection and analysis is also desirable. Excellent online literature searching and retrieval skills and excellent communications skills in English, both written and verbal is highly welcomed, as is a capacity to work in international team and multi-disciplinary environments . Any peer-reviewed publications will be considered an advantage. Any peer-reviewed publications will be considered an advantage.

Project Objectives: Working as a part of the Rights and Representation work package, the successful applicant will complete a research project on: Rurality, rights and sustainability in home care and ageing in place policy. The objectives of this research will be to examine (1) the representation of ‘rurality’ and needs in ageing in place, homecare and Covid-19 policies for heterogeneous rural dwellers; (2) to examine European patterns of homecare access in rural sites, charting potential rights violations and inequalities; (3) to examine the lived experience of homecare for diverse groups (gender; new-comer/native residents; ethnicity; class) in 2-3 international rural sites, and responses to address needs during Covid-19.

Secondment(s): The applicant will undertake two secondments of approximately 4 months duration. Secondment 1 with L. De Donder- (VUB) (4m) will provide learning on social anthropology theory and methods relevant to ageing in place. Secondment 2 with N.O’Connor-(Age Action IRL) (4m) will expose the researcher to public health/policy translation techniques.

Gross salary: €35,836.82 per annum plus mobility and family allowances as applicable and in line with the EC rules for Marie Sklodowska Curie Doctoral Networks 2021.

More information, contact: Professor Kieran Walsh – kieran.walsh@universityofgalway.ie

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Doctoral Researcher 9

Host: Open University of The Netherlands
Primary Supervisor: Professor Alexander Peine
Co-supervisor/mentors: Dr. Henk Herman Nap (Vilans, The Netherlands); Prof. Anu Siren (University of Tampere, Finland)
Duration: 48 months

Required applicant profile: Highly motivated, independent and enthusiastic doctoral researcher with relevant Master’s degree in the social sciences or humanities (ideally in Science and Technology Studies with a profile in ageing and/or health technology, or in ageing studies/social gerontology with a focus on digital technology), excellent track record of academic achievement and a strong interest in conducting original research on place and digital technologies in later life. Experience of working in transdisciplinary contexts involving social scientists and engineers/designers as well as (in)formal care givers and older people, and an affinity with policy making processes, is desirable.

Desired skills: The ideal candidate thrives in international and transdisciplinary environments, can communicate effectively with various stakeholders and has sharp analytical skills. Specifically, the position requires:

expertise and skills in qualitative, empirical research; experience with ethnographic field work is desirable;
an affinity with the human aspects of digital technologies related to ageing and/or ageing in place;
excellent written and oral communication skills in English; written and oral skills in Dutch are not a requirement, but we expect the candidate to acquire a good command of the Dutch language within 1.5 years.
the ability to work in a self-propelled manner in interdisciplinary teams
Any peer-reviewed publications will be considered an advantage.

Project Objectives: As part of the Challenge 3 – Rights and Voice of the HOMeAGE network, the successful applicant will investigate the increasing entanglement of ageing in place policies with the promises and practices of digital technologies, in particular those that rely on algorithms and data infrastructures (Artificial Intelligence). Your research will (1) critically interrogate the actual/symbolic representations of ageing that come to prevail in the development and implementation of such digital technologies; (2) study the processes through which these representations come into being (for instance, in pilot project/homes/neighbourhoods or the creation of data bases and ground truths); (3) explore alternative practices that are more responsible and reflect ageing diversity. The policy component will translate results into recommendations for ageing in place technology policies. A policy brief on innovation practices for ageing in place, and a brief on design recommendations will be produced.

Secondment(s): As part of the PhD project, the successful applicant will undertake two secondments of 4 months duration each: Secondment 1 with Prof. Anu Siren (Tampere University, Finland) will focus on symbolic exclusion theory and technology as a mediator of exclusion. Secondment 2 with Dr. H.H. Nap (Vilans, The Netherlands) will provide learning on policy processes and formulating stakeholder advice.

Gross salary: The PhD candidate will be appointed for a period of 12 months. The appointment will be extended to 48 months after a successful assessment in the first year. The salary is € 2.541,= gross per month in the first year and is expected to increase to € 3.247,= in the fourth year, for a full time appointment, contingent on satisfactory performance.

For more information, contact: Professor Alexander Peine, alex.peine@ou.nl

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Doctoral Researcher 10

Host: Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium
Primary Supervisor: Professor Liesbeth De Donder
Co-supervisor/mentors: Marja Aartsen (Oslo Metropolitan University, Norwegian Research Institute – NOVA), Julia Wadoux (Age Platform Europe), Lucie Vidovicova (Masarykova Univerzita (MU)
Duration: 36 months + 12 months

Required applicant profile: Highly motivated, independent and enthusiastic doctoral researcher with a strong interest in conducting original research on ageing, place, social rights, ageism and policy change. A Master’s degree and excellent track record of academic achievement. Experience of working on or contributing to ageing/place and inclusion/policy research projects is essential. A good understanding of ageing and equality issues, and place-related rights and discrimination in research and policy across different countries is desirable.

Desired skills:

Attitude: Open-minded, curious, enthusiastic, and accurate; proactive, capable of working independently, and likes to work in a team; good organizational and communicative skills

Skills: Demonstrable experience of conducting qualitative research (e.g., focus groups, interviews). Excellent online literature searching and retrieval skills and excellent communications skills in English both written and verbal. Any peer-reviewed publications will be considered an advantage.

Project Objectives: Working as a part of the Rights and Voice work package, the successful applicant will complete a research project on: Social rights and equitable, non-ageist policy development on ageing in place. The objectives of the project is to investigate: (1) the extent ageist practice, prior and during Covid-19, prevents heterogeneous older populations to age in place (community; institutions) with dignity, and the barriers to securing rights to accessible and suitable community supports; (2) how stereotypes and prejudice influences policy reform/investment in ageing in place; (3) value of an age-friendly, inclusive policy framework based on European pillar of social rights. It is expected this project will involve intersectional approaches and qualitative methods (e.g. focus groups; interviews; documentary analysis).

Secondment(s): Secondment 1 with Lucie Vidovićová (MU) (4 months approx.) will provide training on structural inequalities and public policy. Secondment 2 with AGE Platform Europe (Julia Wadoux) (4 months approx.), will target policy concerning older people’s rights, ageism and anti-discrimination.

Gross salary: € 29,532 per annum.plus mobility and family allowances as applicable and in line with the EC rules for Marie Sklodowska Curie Doctoral Networks 2021.

For more information, contact: Professor Liesbeth De Donder: liesbeth.de.donder@vub.be

Link to Advert: https://www.sarlab.be/projecten/wonen-en-woonomgeving/homeage

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Doctoral Researcher 11

Host: The University of Manchester,
UK Primary Supervisor: Professor Tine Buffel
Co-supervisor/mentors: Paul McGarry, (Greater Macnhester Combined Authority – GMCA) Dr. Mark Hammond (Manchester Metropolitan University – MMU), and Dr. Camilla Lewis (University of Manchester) and Dr. Alexander Peine (Open University)
Duration: 36 months

Required applicant profile: Highly motivated, independent and enthusiastic doctoral researcher with an excellent track record of academic achievement and a Postgraduate/Master’s degree in sociology, anthropology, political sciences, geography, urban studies or any other related subject. We expect experience, knowledge about, or strong interest in ageing and age-friendly issues and urban developments. Required skills include: excellent analytical, oral and writing skills in English; excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to deal with a range of people and stakeholder groups; good time management skills and ability to work independently and in part of a team; an ability/willingness to initiate collaborations with academics from different disciplinary backgrounds and methodological approaches; creative, outcome-focused and a sense of initiative.

Desired skills: Experience with working in areas of deprivation and with marginalised communities, including an awareness of the methodological issues involved; experience with, or an understanding of, co-production and participatory methods; skills in both quantitative and qualitative methods; an understanding of empirical research relating to ageing in place in cities, as well as the theoretical underpinnings of that research and associated age-friendly policy developments; an understanding of empirical and theoretical research in relation to race, ethnicity and racism. Knowledge about social and public policies towards older people in the UK. Any peer-reviewed publications will be considered an advantage.

Project Objectives: Working as part of the Rights and Voice work package, the successful candidate will conduct a research project focusing on how urban change and regeneration policies disrupt ageing in place for diverse groups and how participatory processes might counter this disruption. The aims are to investigate: (1) ageing in place among diverse groups (long-term residents, migrants, gender, class) in diverse city contexts; (2) whether regeneration policies reflect diversity of ageing populations; (3) how co-production of age-friendly initiatives support inclusive decisions around city development/recovery post COVID-19. The successful candidate will be supported by the Manchester Urban Ageing Research Group (MUARG) to develop collaborative research with local and regional government, community organisations, academics from different disciplinary backgrounds, as well as older people to promote age-friendly urban environments.

Secondment(s): Secondment 1 with Professor Alexander Peine at Open University in the Netherlands to learn about relevant innovation strategies to support older people living in areas of urban regeneration (4 months approximately). Secondment 2 at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) with Paul Mcgarry will allow the PhD researcher to work as part of a £4 million investment in the Ageing in Place Pathfinder Programme, a co-produced action planning approach in Greater Manchester to test new ways of supporting people to live well for longer with better health and connections in their local community (4 months approximately).

Gross salary: £36,386 per annum in year one, raising to £38,592 in year 3 (dependent on family circumstances). This position is funded by the UUK Research and Innovation (UKRI) grant ref EP/X030482/1 and is available from 1st September 2023 to contract end date.

Note: The post at the University of Manchester is based on separate funding from the UKRI and therefore certain conditions may apply for this post. More details will be published on the weblink in the New Year.

More information, contact: Professor Tine Buffel, tine.buffel@manchester.ac.uk

Link to project on UoM website: https://www.micra.manchester.ac.uk/muarg/research/current-projects/homage/

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Doctoral Researcher 12

Host: University of Applied Sciences and the Arts Northwestern Switzerland, School of Social Work, Switzerland
Primary Supervisor: Professor Matthias Drilling
Co-supervisor/mentors: Alana Officer, WHO Geneva; Thiago Hérick de Sá, WHO Geneva, Kieran Walsh, University of Galway, Ireland; Fabian Neuhaus, University of Calgary, Canada
Duration: 36 months +12

Required applicant profile: Highly motivated and independent doctoral researcher with a relevant Master’s degree, excellent track record of academic achievement and applied research; strong interest in conducting original research on ageing, place & social / spatial planning is essential. Experience of working on or contributing to the role of planning disciplines (spatial, urban, social planning) in relation to the ageing in place concept and a good understanding of ageing policy across different countries is desirable.

Desired skills: Demonstrable experience of conducting mixed method research; with advanced knowledge in the areas of spatial analysis (using software package e.g. AutoCAD, QGIS) or data analysis (using statistical software package e.g. SPSS); intermediate knowledge of qualitative lifeworld research (using hermeneutical methods e.g. content analysis and software packages, e.g. Altas.ti, MaxQDA). Excellent written and verbal communications skills in English and at least one other relevant language for international applied research (French, Arabic, Spanish, German). Any peer-reviewed publications will be considered an advantage.

Project Objectives: Working as a part of the Rights and Voice work package, the successful applicant will complete a research project on: Diverse older populations, voice and planning age-friendly environments. The objectives of this research project are to explore: (1) how diverse older people are incorporated into ageing in place policy development and how this is linked to spatial and social planning; (2) how age-friendly planning and development processes can reflect and implement gender, class, ethnic perspectives; (3) the value associated with these perspectives in the policy and planning process.

Secondment(s): The applicant will undertake two secondments of approximately 4 month duration each. Secondment 1: Kieran Walsh (University of Galway) will facilitate analysis of regional, national and local policy contexts and variation in representation, and secondment 2, Alana Margaret Officer and Thiago Hérick de Sá (WHO Geneva), will allow learning on participatory approaches to engage older people within communities

Gross salary: SFR 55,000 per annum plus mobility and family allowances as applicable and in line with the EC rules for Marie Sklodowska Curie Doctoral Networks 2021 and The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) within the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, Switzerland.

More information, contact: Professor Matthias Drilling – matthias.drilling@fhnw.ch

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