Doctoral Researcher: Political Connectedness and Access to Resources

Doctoral Researcher:
Political Connectedness and Access to Resources

The Bristol Business School of the University of the West of England invites applications for a Fully Funded Doctoral Researcher in the MSCA Doctoral Network SOCIAL – Sociology of Authoritarian Law.

Do you want to investigate how corruption and political connectedness shape access to scarce economic resources and opportunities? Institutional quality plays a decisive role in determining who gets access to resources and opportunities. In many authoritarian regimes, corruption and political connectedness can distort the market, disadvantage more productive businesses, and reduce overall economic efficiency. This PhD opportunity is your chance to join an ambitious international research programme exploring these challenges in the context of Central Asia.

The doctoral project at UWE Bristol forms part of SOCIAL’s second work package (WP2) on the political economy of authoritarian law. It will focus on how corruption and political connectedness influence access to scarce economic resources and opportunities, including access to bank credit, in Central Asia. The project will examine how institutional quality affects equality of opportunity and economic participation, the ways informal and unethical practices, such as corruption and interpersonal connectedness, shape access to economic resources and opportunities, and the mechanisms through which such practices marginalise more productive businesses, distort resource allocation, and undermine economic efficiency.

An empirical approach will be used to analyse these dynamics. Findings are intended to inform both academic understanding and policy interventions. The doctoral candidate will be based at the Bristol Business School of UWE for most of the three years, undertake funded secondments with SOCIAL partner and associate partner institutions; collaborate closely with 16 other doctoral candidates across the network, take part in joint training through workshops and summer schools, work with academic supervisors and stakeholders, benefit ting from joint supervision and strong transferable skills development.

UWE Bristol is one of the largest providers of higher education in the Southwest of England. Based in Bristol, a thriving and multi‑cultural city just over an hour by train from London and surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the Southwest of England and Wales, the University is regionally embedded and internationally connected. The Bristol Business School is renowned for research across economics, governance, and development, offering a vibrant and inclusive research culture.

Research group Bristol Research in Economics (BRE) is an internationally recognised cluster of leading economists pursuing innovative research in intersecting areas of economics including applied economics, development economics, political economy and regional studies.

• A relevant master’s degree relating to economics, economic development, development studies, behavioural science, or a related field.
• Excellent English speaking, reading, and writing skills (applicants will need an IELTS score of 7.0 overall, or equivalent).
• Strong mixed‑methods research skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Effective communication skills for academic and non‑academic audiences.
• Motivation to engage in interdisciplinary research and policy outreach.

• Experience integrating methods and theories from multiple disciplines.
• Experience working with both quantitative and qualitative data.

You will be employed on a 36‑month contract under the conditions of the MSCA Doctoral Network scheme which includes: gross salary of €4,051/month (approx. £3,330/month); mobility allowance of €494/month (approx. £406/month); and family allowance of €345/month (approx. £283/month), if applicable.

This is a full‑time, fixed‑term post lasting for 36 months. The role is campus based for most of your time, with the opportunity to work from home on the remaining days.

• You must not already…