Closing date: 15 April 2009
The global economic implications of climate change are major sources of concern and the subject of an increasing body of research. The objective of this studentship is to further this research by developing an integrated-assessment model relating to the economics of climate change. It is anticipated that the model will draw on a global computable general equilibrium (CGE) model that has been calibrated using data primarily drawn from the Global Trade Analysis Project’s database (see McDonald et al., 2007, for documentation of the GLOBE model) to explore some aspect of the global economic implications of climate change and/or possible mitigation strategies. The precise topic, within the broad subject area, will be determined by the research proposal of the successful candidate and the first year’s research. While we would welcome applicants with research interests in:

1. Economic and environmental implications of growth in China and/or India
2. Discount rates and climate change
3. Economic implications of climate change for least developed countries
4. Carbon trading and economic welfare

The successful applicant will be the candidate with the best research proposal within the broad subject area.

Contact for informal inquiries and further information about the project:

Professor Scott McDonald
email: smcdonald@brookes.ac.uk
tel +44 (0)1865 485948

or

Dr David Evans
email: djevans@brookes.ac.uk
tel +44 (0)1865 485964.

Applicants must have strong backgrounds in economic theory and quantitative methods and a good 2.1 honours degree in economics, or closely related discipline, and a good masters degree in economics or closely related discipline. Some experience of mathematical programming and/or operations research would be an advantage. The successful candidate will require a high degree of computer literacy. (Related disciplines include inter alia econometrics, environmental economics and agricultural economics. At undergraduate level a good 2.1 is taken to mean an average mark in the upper half of the 2.1 band and a good masters degree is taken to mean an average grade of at least 65% with no mark below 60%, and at least 65% at the dissertation stage).

Applicants will produce a research proposal of not more than 2,000 words that outlines and justifies their proposed research question, identifies any additional data requirements and details the proposed work programme.

McDonald, S., K Thierfelder and S Robinson (2007), ‘GLOBE: A SAM Based Global CGE Model using GTAP Data’, Department of Economics Working Paper 14, United States Naval Academy.

http://ideas.repec.org/s/usn/usnawp.html

The full-time studentship, which includes an element for teaching will be for 3 years, subject to satisfactory progress. The bursary will be £20,000 pa plus student fees.

For details regarding how to apply please download the application form, reference form and additional information.

Completed applications forms should be sent directly to: Business School HR Team, Oxford Brookes University, Business School, Wheatley Campus, Wheatley, OX33 1HX or email hr-bs@brookes.ac.uk