Networked Innovation: The role of collaborations in creation and diffusion of innovative teaching and learning practices in universities. Caledonian Academy, Glasgow Caledonian University
Caledonian Academy, Glasgow Caledonian University

Applications are invited for a PhD research studentship within the Caledonian Academy (www.academy.gcal.ac.uk) in Glasgow, UK.  The studentship is for a period of three years, subject to satisfactory progress and provides payment of tuition fees at the UK/EU rate (£3,450 pa) plus an annual stipend of £14,275. The successful candidate is expected to undertake up to 6 hours of academic support activity per week, which will include research, teaching or administration.

Purpose of Studentship
The Caledonian Academy is offering a 3-year studentship to carry out research leading to a PhD investigating whether and how collaborations impact the development and diffusion of innovative teaching and learning methods in universities.

Research project
While there is a growing body of literature on co-production of knowledge in research, in particular the essential role collaborations have been playing in the advancement of science, little is known about the role of collaborations in the development of innovative teaching and learning practices (TLP). The learning potential of collaborative innovation experiences for academics themselves is not well understood. Conducted within a range of disciplines within Glasgow Caledonian University, this study will explore whether and how collaborations impact the development and diffusion of innovative TLP. First, ethnographic case studies will be conducted to generate testable hypotheses. Second, participants' networks will be analysed to explore the collaboration practices and test the hypotheses. Third, follow-up interviews will be conducted to understand if and how collaboration practices impact innovation in TLP. The study has dual goals of contributing to the theory and practice of teaching and learning in higher education. It contributes to 3 literatures: sociology of knowledge, workplace learning, and diffusion of innovation. It contributes to practice by identifying conditions under which teaching and learning innovations can be enabled and enhanced in universities.

Supervisory Team
The studentship offers a unique opportunity to work with an internationally-renowned research team which has strong links with leading research centres and the industry.  The supervisory team comprises: Dr. Anoush Margaryan (Director of Studies and first supervisor), Dr. Isobel Falconer (second supervisor), and Prof. Allison Littlejohn (third supervisor). Further details are available at http://www.academy.gcal.ac.uk/people/index.html

Education/Experience sought:
The fellowship is open to candidates from EU countries.
Essential:
·  Applicants must be graduates (Masters or Bachelors Degree plus relevant Masters) with a background in Educational Science or its sub-disciplines. Candidates with a background in Social or Behavioural Sciences are also eligible to apply, but a strong interest in Learning and  Education is essential.
·  Strong interest in conducting applied research
·  Strong interest in drawing upon and integrating research from both Higher Education and adult workplace learning areas. 

Desirable: 
·  Experience (or strong interest) in contemporary network theories is a plus.
·  Familiarity with relevant research on workplace learning, university learning, collaborative work and learning, sociology, and diffusion of innovation is a plus.

Skills:
We are looking for a smart, dynamic, curious and motivated person who has the following skills:
·  experience, or interest in, conducting mixed methods applied research
·  strong abilities in writing and oral presentation in English 
·  ability to structure own work to achieve results within strict deadlines
·  ability to communicate research findings efficiently to both academic and non-academic audiences

Contact
Those seeking further information should contact the supervisory team via Claire Carroll claire.carroll@gcal.ac.uk or by telephoning +44 (0)141 331 3680.

How to Apply:
Application Materials and Deadline:
Applicants should submit each of the following documents by e-mail to Claire Carroll, claire.carroll@gcu.ac.uk
1. Official Glasgow Caledonian University application form found at http://www.gcu.ac.uk/graduatecentre/downloads/standard_app_form.doc
2. Letter of interest specifying how you learned about this vacancy and outlining how your skills, experience and background meet the essential and desirable criteria for this studentship.
3. CV
4. A writing sample (e.g. a recent journal publication or a chapter from your Masters thesis)
5. Names and contact information of two references (academic and/or professional).

Deadline for applications is June 25, 2010. Applications received after this date will not be accepted.  Interviews with shortlisted candidates will be conducted in the week commencing July 12, 2010. Interviews could be conducted either face to face at Glasgow Caledonian University or using video/audio-conferencing if required. The studentship is expected to begin no later than October 4, 2010.