Gendered Identities and Alcohol Consumption Among Young Adults: A Qualitative Study
Stipend £13,590 per annum

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a 1st or 2:1 degree in the social sciences or a related discipline to train in a leading research establishment and so represents a stepping stone to a rewarding research-based or academic career.

Our main research questions are:-

• How do young women and men in Scotland perceive (excessive) drinking?
• How are young adults’ gendered identities related to, and constructed by, alcohol consumption?

The details of this studentship project will be developed in conjunction with the research student. However, we expect the main method of data collection to be group discussions (Kitzinger, 1994) with pre-existing friendship groups (both same sex and mixed sex groups of young adults), possibly supplemented with in-depth, individual interviews.  We also hope to incorporate the use of visual methods into the project.

The successful student will be supervised by by Dr Carol Emslie and Dr Helen Sweeting from the Gender and Health team at the MRC Social & Public Health Sciences Unit in Glasgow. Further details of this programme of research can be found on our website:
http://www.sphsu.mrc.ac.uk/research-programmes/gh

If you require any further information please contact Dr Carol Emslie c.emslie@sphsu.mrc.ac.uk or Dr Helen Sweeting h.sweeting@sphsu.mrc.ac.uk or call 0141 357 3949.

Additional information about MRC studentships can be found at: http://www.mrc.ac.uk/Fundingopportunities/Applicanthandbook/Studentships/index.htm. This contains information regarding eligibility and qualification for the maintenance stipend. Shortlisted candidates will be requested to provide a sample of their written academic work (e.g. an essay or chapter from a dissertation) prior to interview, and a brief outline of their ideas for the studentship (no more than one page of A4).

Applications are handled by the RCUK Shared Services Centre; to apply please visit our job board at https://ext.ssc.rcuk.ac.uk to view full details and complete an online application form.  If you are unable to apply online please contact us on 01793 867003 quoting reference IRC9971.  Closing date for applications: 16th February 2011. The planned date for interviews and selection: 8th March 2011. When applying online please upload a cover letter and CV clearly stating in your letter why you would like to be considered for this studentship and how you meet each of the criteria listed in the Person Requirements. Please also supply the details of two academic referees.

Please note that appointment will be made subject to pre-employment health and security screening and references.

The Medical Research Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer.