PhD Studentship 2026
The Impact of Digital Transformation on Skills, Wages, and Career Trajectories in the United Kingdom
University of Sussex – Business School
ESRC Centre for Digital Futures at Work (Digit)
United Kingdom
Location: Brighton (Falmer Campus), United Kingdom
This fully funded PhD studentship explores how digital transformation, automation, and advanced technologies are reshaping the UK labour market.
The research focuses on how digital adoption affects:
*Skill requirements
*Wage structures
*Career progression and job quality
The project is part of the ESRC-funded Digit Centre, offering strong academic training, policy engagement, and access to unique employer and administrative datasets. The PhD is ideal for candidates interested in labour economics, digital economy research, and public policy impact.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
• Open to UK and International students
• Hold (or be completing) a Master’s degree in Economics or a related field
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills
• Background in econometrics, data analysis, or labour economics preferred
• Meet University of Sussex English language requirements
• Demonstrated interest in digital transformation, labour markets, or economic policy
Funding / Studentship Benefits
Fully Funded Package Includes:
• Full tuition fee coverage (UK or International)
• Annual tax-free stipend of £21,383 (UKRI rate 2026/27)
• Funding duration: up to 4 years
• Research training through South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc)
• Professional development and networking via the Digit Doctoral Network
• Policy placement opportunity with the UK Low Pay Commission
Program Level
• PhD (Doctoral Degree)
• Full-time study
Research Focus Areas
• Digital transformation & automation
• Skills demand and workforce development
• Wage inequality and pay dynamics
• Career trajectories and job quality
• Regional and sectoral labour market differences
• Applied labour economics & big data analysis
Supervision Team
• Professor Richard Dickens – Professor of Economics
• Dr. Wenchao Jin – Senior Lecturer in Economics
University of Sussex
Application Requirements
Submit one PDF containing:
• Statement of interest (max 1 page)
• Research proposal (1–2 pages)
• Academic CV
• Degree transcripts & certificates
• Sample of written academic work
• Contact details of two academic referees
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.
28 januari 2026