Exciting PhD Opportunity: Transition Design and Social Innovation at the University of Naples Federico II

The University of Naples Federico II is thrilled to announce a PhD position focused on “Transition Design and Design for Social Innovation as Tools for Social Entrepreneurship.” This role is a significant opportunity for researchers interested in the intersection of design, social entrepreneurship, and innovative solutions to societal challenges.

Position Overview

• Job Title: PhD position in Transition Design and Social Innovation
• Location: University of Naples Federico II, Italy
• Application Deadline: November 14, 2024
• Contract Type: Temporary, full-time
• Funding: Horizon Europe – MSCA

About the PhD Project

This doctoral project is part of a collaborative network involving 15 doctoral theses aimed at understanding the scaling of social entrepreneurship (SE). The selected candidate will explore how Transition Design (TD) and Design for Social Innovation (DSI) can enhance the scalability of SE solutions. The research will be structured over three years:

1. Year 1: Conducting a comprehensive literature review on TD and DSI.
2. Year 2: Engaging in field research to analyze effective TD and DSI initiatives.
3. Year 3: Developing proposals for improving social enterprise business models from a transition design perspective.

SEIZMIC Project

This PhD position is part of the SEIZMIC Project, an EU-funded initiative aimed at scaling social entrepreneurship across Europe. The project addresses critical gaps in the social entrepreneurship landscape and seeks to develop an interdisciplinary framework that synthesizes diverse fields such as entrepreneurship, finance, and technology management.

Candidate Requirements

Ideal candidates should have:

• A Master’s degree in service design, social innovation, social sciences, or related fields.
• Proficiency in English (speaking, reading, and writing).
• Skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• A strong interest in social sciences and social entrepreneurship.

Additionally, the candidate will undertake a required secondment at Université Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC) and at Eranos, a consulting firm specializing in qualitative studies.

Benefits

The PhD candidate will receive a competitive salary totaling €46,939.20 annually, which includes social security contributions. This scholarship covers tuition fees, travel costs, and provides office space. The position runs for three years, during which the student will also contribute to the SEIZMIC project’s deliverables.

Application Process

To apply, candidates must submit:

• A cover letter (1-2 pages) explaining their motivation for pursuing a PhD.
• A research proposal (2000-4000 words) outlining anticipated thesis issues.
• A CV (1-2 pages) detailing relevant experience and publications.
• Academic transcripts and copies of relevant degrees.
• Two recommendation letters.

Applications should be sent to anna.cocozza@unina.it with the subject line “SEIZMIC-UNINA-DC8”.