Three new PhD studentships at University of Greenwich

For the "what's out there" file:

 The Business School at the University of Greenwich is advertising three fully funded PhD studentships for the next academic year. A number of different topics are available for applicants to choose, and more detailed information on the desired structure and focus of submissions is available upon request.

 One of the studentships, on "Key influencers and opinion leaders in online communications" is supervised by Dr Riccardo De Vita and Dr. Paola Tubaro and will be part of a broader research programme on online social networks and social influence. For more information, please see this document.

Note the difference between a taught degree and a research degree in British institutions.

Ph.D. Programme in Urban and Local European Studies in Milan

FOUR (4) scholarships to attend the three year Ph.D. Programme in Urban and Local European Studies (URBEUR) at the Department of Sociology and Social Research of the University of  Milano Bicocca.

The Department of Sociology and Social Research of the University of Milan – Bicocca, Italy, is offering 4 Ph.D. scholarships to attend its Ph.D. Programme in Urban and Local European Studies, a European doctoral programme that is networked with a number of outstanding European Universities: SciencesPo Paris, London School of Economics, Humboldt Universität Berlin, King’s College London, Universitat de Barcelona.

The URBEUR European doctoral programme aims to serve as a benchmark for excellence in urban studies. URBEUR offers scholars, researchers and professionals a programme of study designed to deliver a broad and thorough grounding in the field along with the skills to develop a specific areas of expertise. Special emphasis is placed on the acquisition of interdisciplinary competences.

Intensive teaching classes and seminars are designed to provide:

• in-depth knowledge of the social sciences, focusing in particular on new theoretical and research directions in urban sociology, the transformations of local and national welfare systems, globalisation processes and their impact on cities, the new inequalities, urban segregation, and urban policies in general;
• advanced quantitative and qualitative methodological skills, suitable for conducting territorial comparative research; 
• acquisition of language skills to perform at a professional level in a global environment.

Co-tutorships and Joint degrees with partner universities as well as long term research stays at European universities are encouraged.

The majority of instruction will be in English. Tuitions fees are very low and scholarships are adequate to cover living expenses in Milan. Scholarships will be augmented by 50% for authorized research periods spent abroad.

Application Deadline: September 10, 2012 

For more information write to Marianna d’Ovidio marianna.dovidio@unimib.it  or visit URBEUR website:
http://www.scuoladottorato.sociologia.unimib.it/Default.asp?idPagine=874&funzione=&lingua=ING
The University of Milano-Bicocca website provides general guidelines regarding Ph.D. programmes:
http://www.unimib.it/go/46037/Home/English/MENU-DX/Course-Offerings/Doctoral-Programs

rent/work swap in Glenview

From a neighbor (her contact information below):

I am offering very low rent on my beautiful 1BR/1 BA Glenview in-law unit in return for helping with my children (ages 9 and 13) two mornings and one afternoon a week. The hours I need help are 7:30 am -9:00 am and 3:00-7:30 pm Mondays and 7:30am-9:00 am some Thursdays. The job involves helping the kids get ready for school/camp when I leave for work, picking up from school and preparing dinner on Mondays. You will need a safe car, CA license and a clean driving record.

The apartment is a serene, light-filled 1BR/1 BA in-law unit with large deck and shared access to garden, overlooking Dimond Park and pool. The unit has 550 square feet and hardwood floors. I've reduced the rent to $800/month, including all utilities (Internet and cable too!), in return for 25 hours/month in childcare. This is an ideal arrangement for someone with a flexible Monday schedule who loves kids.

If interested, please tell me about yourself and confirm your ability to work the hours listed above. I'm looking for someone who can start as soon as possible. For apartment photos or more information, please contact Karen: karenbreslau@gmail.com

Learning to Code

In a previous post, "Coding, Social Science, and Activism," we "advertised" the idea of social scientists (that is, you) learning to "code" (that means, write computer programs).  In that post we mentioned a few online tools that have been developed for learning to program and some organizations/programs specifically geared toward more women learning to code.

Over the last few weeks of the semester a number of you have expressed interest in joining a group of us who would endeavor to join this movement and get some coding skills this summer.  We post this notice to say "let's do it!" and "is anyone else interested?"

Here's the preliminary agenda.  We'll get together sometime between 5/20 and 5/30 to do a little show-and-tell, get-to-know-you (as needed), and time-line setting.  We'll pick a platform (that is, an online, web-based learning tool), a language (there are a number of different programming languages from which to choose -- each one has it's advantages), and then we'll get rolling.  Most of the courses are self-paced with milestones and most include a "social" component that will let us create a learning community of sorts for mutual aid and encouragement. We'll plan to have a few physical check-in meetings in addition to keeping touch online.

So far, I've got expressions of possible interest from Lulu, Rachel B., Ari, Kalisi?  If you'd like to maybe join us, drop me an email in next few days.  I'll then post a poll with some potential meeting times and we'll get this train out of the proverbial station.

Meanwhile, here is a small menagerie of links you might want to check out:

GirlDevelopIt | Code Academy | Women Who Code Meetup SF | SashaLaundy on Twitter | Women Who Code on Twitter | LadiesLearningCode (also Twitter) | Danielle at refer.ly

Research Associate/Assistant Jobs

The following job announcement recently came across my screen.  This particular position might already be filled, but it gives you a good sense of a type of job that's out there for graduates with social science degrees.  Although there is no hard and fast rule, "Research Associate" positions often require a few years post-BA experience (or a masters) while "Research Assistant" positions are usually entry level (that is, a BA is enough).  There are exceptions, of course, so you should not unduly limit your search.  This AIR ad was for Waltham, MA but they have research positions in Washington, DC, Chicago and other places.  

Job Description: Research Associate


The American Institutes for Research (AIR) is the leading education research company in the nation providing a continuum of education research, assessment, technical assistance and policy analysis from the school level up to the national and international levels. Our programs apply science to address real world issues on behalf of clients that include federal and state agencies, international development agencies, leading foundations, school districts and private businesses and our experts are a frequent source of information and guidance for policymakers, clients and the news media. We are currently seeking a Research Associate to join our Waltham, MA office.

Responsibilities

• Collect, compile, validate, interpret, and analyze data and trends using standard practices and techniques
• Apply quantitative and/or qualitative analysis techniques and methods
• Work on moderately complex assignments under indirect supervision
• Communicate project support needs and requests to senior management and clientele, provide administrative support where applicable
• Conduct literature reviews and write sections of proposals and deliverables
• Responsible for maintaining and checking the accuracy of data for assigned projects
• Utilize external resources to supplement, organize, and contribute to tasks and projects
• Lead and organize content for focus groups

Qualifications:

• Bachelors or Master’s degree in the social sciences or related field
• Must possess strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently on detailed assignments
• Experience with word processing, spreadsheet, and database software required
• Experience with SPSS/SAS or survey research a plus

AIR offers an excellent compensation and benefits package, including a fully funded retirement plan, generous paid time off, subsidized garage parking, and tuition assistance. For more information, please visit our website at www.air.org. To apply, please go to http://jobs-airdc.icims.com and conduct a job title search. EOE.


Salary Range: $40,000 - $49,999

American Institutes for Research
Contact:Teresa LaRocca
Email:maustin@air.org
Phone:202-403-5630
Address: 201 Jones Road Boston , MA 20007

Well, you wouldn't be our first sociological baker...

There is currently a full-time counter position - 32 hours per week that qualifies for benefits - open at La Farine in Dimond. The schedule is Friday-Monday, 11:30am-8pm.

Please email lafarinejobs@yahoo.com with your resume or any questions with "FT Counter" in the subject line.

Thanks!

Stan

Stan Dodson, Manager

La Farine on Fruitvale

531-7750

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