Centre for Policy Modelling
Manchester Metropolitan University
Two PhD Studentships: Dynamics of Norm Innovation
Stipend: GBP 12,550 per annum + applicable fees
Applications are invited for 2 phd students to work on modelling
projects associated with an EU Framework 6 project on the emergence of
norms in open source and similar collaborative groups.
The project's aim is to understand how new conventions and norms emerge
and spread in social systems. The project, as a whole, will involve
historical, documentary and ethnographic studies of groups that have
developed norms for non-commercial sharing of intellectual products
(such as free/libre open source software or academic science) in
parallel with the development of agent-based models that allow the
specification of and experimentation with theories of norm emergence.
The project will last for three years from 1 September 2006 and involves
partners from five universities in Italy, Germany, UK and Hungary.
The period of study will involve the development of agent-based
simulations of the social processes involved validated against different
aspects of the evidence on the social phenomena concerned. It will
require the attendance at project meetings throughout Europe, paid for
with project funds.
The position requires a Masters-level degree in a relevant discipline,
preferably with an element of science and technology studies. The
candidate should thus have some programming and/or simulation
experience. Some knowledge of sociology and/or software development
would be an advantage. The candidate will need to be able to obtain a
visa to study in the UK for the 3 years. So Non-EU successful
candidates will need to apply for visa following their admission.
The CPM is one of the few research centres in the world that specialises
on social simulation. It is currently involved in one UK EPSRC project
and 4 EU ones (including this one). The CPM is a happy, informal,
fairly chaotic but, we believe, very creative lab. For more information
about the work of the Centre see its website at http://cfpm.org
For informal discussions about the post, contact Bruce Edmonds at
[log in to unmask] To apply send a CV with covering letter to Bruce
Edmonds, Centre for Policy Modelling, MMUBS, Aytoun Building, Aytoun
Street, M1 3GH, UK.
The closing date for applications is 15th August 2006.
The University is committed to an Equal Opportunities Policy
Regards.
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Bruce Edmonds,
Centre for Policy Modelling,
Manchester Metropolitan University, Aytoun Bldg.,
Aytoun Street, Manchester, M1 3GH. UK.
Tel: +44 161 247 6479
http://bruce.edmonds.name
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