WP3

Project Title: ECOPRAWN-Climate-friendly and climate-resilient prawn farming in Bangladesh

Call for Applications

2 PhD Scholarships Available under Work Package 3 & 4 (WP3 & WP4)

The Faculty of Business Administration (FBA) of the Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU), Bangladesh in collaboration with University of Copenhagen (KU), Denmark hereby invites interested and qualified citizens of Bangladesh (holding MSc degree or equivalent) to submit their applications for 2 PhD scholarships related to the DANIDA financed project “ECOPRAWN-Climate-friendly and climate-resilient prawn farming in Bangladesh”. Students will be enrolled at both PSTU and KU, with a possibility of attaining a double degree.

The scholarships are of three 3½ years duration, and will commence on 1^st October 2022 or soon after. The PhD scholars will be supervised by a joint team of senior academics from FBA at PSTU and KU will be provided PhD level training in both university environments. The PhD study and research will be closely integrated and coordinated with all the other activities in the ECOPRAWN project.

The overall purpose of ECOPRAWN is to analyze both climate change mitigation and adaptation of prawn farming in Bangladesh and thereby meet the theme “Sustainable development and climate change”. The project involves detailed data collection at field trips visiting prawn farmers, value chain actors, and processing plants in Bangladesh. Moreover, the project involves a stay at University of Copenhagen for a total of 9 months.

One scholarship comes with different requirements under Work Package 4 (WP4):

1. The PhD scholarship entitled “Consumers’ willingness to pay for climate friendly prawn domestically and internationally” focuses on markets and the value of quality attributes of prawn all through the value chain, considering both the domestic value chain in Bangladesh and in the international markets. International trade and trade restrictions are also considered. The methodological foundation is international and environmental economics, economic valuation to identify the implicit price of the quality attributes of prawn and regression analyses to identify price transmission and estimate demand.

The other scholarship comes with different requirements under Work Package 3 (WP3):

• The PhD scholarship entitled “Economics of climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies: Salt intrusion in prawn farming” focuses on improving the knowledge base on how different measures of reduction of GHG emission and adaptation strategies affects the economic performance of prawn farms in Bangladesh. The methodological foundation of this study is examining cost and benefits of adopting probiotics in prawn farming, how salt intrusion mitigation and adoption measures affect farm’s productivity, efficiency and risk in prawn farming Bangladesh.

The aim is to use the results of the PhD scholarships to the private sector and public authorities through workshops, visits and interviews with farmers and actors in the value chain.

In addition, the PhDs will be organized to publish a large number of articles in the international refereed scientific journals in cooperation with the senior staff.

According to PSTU PhD admission rule, an applicant for admission to a course of studies for the PhD degree in PSTU shall possess at least one 1st class/Grade B in either Bachelor degree or Master’s degree with thesis from this university having at least Second Class/Grade B- or an equivalent degree from any other university recognized by Postgraduate Studies, and at least one year experience in teaching/research/extension with one publication. An applicant having 1st class with distinction either in Bachelor or Master’s degree (A+/GPA =4) is eligible for admission into PhD course without any experience and publication. 

Detailed descriptions of the aim, content, requirements, financial conditions, and application procedure for each of the 2 (two) PhD scholarships and the application procedure are posted on the PSTU homepage  www.pstu.ac.bd (Professor Badiuzzaman), .

Deadline for application is 25 June 2022. Short-listed candidates will be invited to prepare a full research proposal, within each of the mandatory subjects, and to present this in from of a panel of experts from home and abroad.

Patuakhali Science and Technology University

Faculty of Business Administration

Description of PhD scholarship

PhD 1: Consumers’ willingness to pay for climate friendly prawn domestically and internationally

This PhD project focuses on improving our understanding of markets for prawn in Bangladesh considering both the domestic value chain in Bangladesh and in the international markets.

The PhD study, and hence the subject, research design and methods must be within the framework set out in work package 4 “Value chains and markets” of the ECOPRAWN project proposal that this PhD scholarship forms part of, should include:

1. Exploration and identification of market levels and channels, price formation and transmission, actors through the value chains and price transmission of prawn in Bangladesh.
2. Exploration of the export potential and demand for prawn from Bangladesh to world market and trade policies in potential buyer countries, on the basis of international economics.
3. Identification of economic values of the implicit price of the quality attributes of prawn through the value chain in Bangladesh, and in the international markets as well.

Applicant must have a strong master degree in economics, agricultural economics or social sciences, and must be interested in the development of aquaculture/prawn in Bangladesh.

If selected for the scholarship, the applicant must be flexible and collaborating with the candidates for the other seven PhD scholarships in the ECOPRAWN project and adapt research approaches for mutual benefits and project coherence. All PhD students in the ECOPRAWN project must collect field data, must collaborate in data collection and share data.

Applications for the PhD scholarship must be completed using the ECOPRAWN “PhD Application Form” posted on the PSTU homepage www.pstu.ac.bd (Prof. Badiuzzaman).

Deadline for application is 25^th June 2022. Applications must be submitted mailing to the address, bzaman_pstu@yahoo.com (Prof. Badiuzzaman), where you can also submit any queries you must have in relation to the application process.

General conditions for the scholarships:

1. The recipients of the PhD scholarships will be enrolled at the Department of Economics and Sociology Faculty of Business Administration (FBA), PSTU and at the Department of Food and Resource Economics, KU, with a possibility of obtaining a double degree given that all requirements are met.
2. The PhD scholarship comes with an attractive salary and benefits package.
3. The PhD scholarship involves 9 months’ study stay at the KU, possible over two periods.
4. The recipients of scholarships are expected to commit full time to the PhD study for the entire three-and-a-half-year period.

Patuakhali Science and Technology University

Faculty of Business Administration

Description of PhD scholarship

PhD 2: Economics of climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies: Salt intrusion in prawn farming

This PhD project focuses on improving the knowledge base on how a different measure of reduction of GHG emission and adaptation strategies affects the economic performance of prawn farms in Bangladesh.

The PhD study, and hence the subject, research design and methods must be within the framework set out in work package 3 “Economic Feasibility and Farm Efficiency” of the ECOPRAWN project proposal that this PhD scholarship forms part of, should include:

1. Examining cost and benefits of adopting probiotics in prawn farming taking into account the scale of operation and the farmer’s ability to implement the proposed GHG emission reduction measures.
2. Examining how different salt intrusion mitigation and adaptation measures affect the farms’ productivity, efficiency and risk in prawn farming in Bangladesh.  
3. Exploration of existing policy provisions to regulate environmental externalities affecting farm production and productivity and depended on the type and the effect of the externalities recommend strengthening of existing regulation or implementation of new regulatory measures.

Applicant must have a strong master degree in economics, agricultural economics or social sciences, and must be interested in the development of aquaculture/prawn in Bangladesh.

If selected for the scholarship, the applicant must be flexible and collaborating with the candidates for the other seven PhD scholarships in the ECOPRAWN project and adapt research approaches for mutual benefits and project coherence. All PhD students in the ECOPRAWN project must collect field data, must collaborate in data collection and share data.

Applications for the PhD scholarship must be completed using the ECOPRAWN “PhD Application Form” posted on the PSTU homepage www.pstu.ac.bd (Prof. Badiuzzaman).

Deadline for application is 25^th June 2022. Applications must be submitted mailing to the address, bzaman_pstu@yahoo.com (Prof. Badiuzzaman), where you can also submit any queries you must have in relation to the application process.

General conditions for the scholarships:

1. The recipients of the PhD scholarships will be enrolled at the Department of Economics and Sociology Faculty of Business Administration (FBA), PSTU and at the Department of Food and Resource Economics, KU, with a possibility of obtaining a double degree given that all requirements are met.
2. The PhD scholarship comes with an attractive salary and benefits package.
3. The PhD scholarship involves 9 months study stay at the KU, possible over two periods.
4. The recipients of scholarships are expected to commit full time to the PhD study for the entire three and a half year period.

PhD Application Form

Applications must be received no later than

25^th June 2022

Please read the instructions carefully before completing this application form. Only complete and signed application forms will be processed. The application must be sent per email to  bzaman_pstu@yahoo.com (Prof. Badiuzzaman, PSTU). The application email should have two pdf-format attachments; (1) the completed and signed application form in pdf-format and (2) all other supporting documents (see checklist under „Part F‟) compiled into one pdf-file.

Introduction

This application form is for use for applications for PhD scholarships that are part of the research project “ECOPRAWN – Climate-friendly and climate-resilient prawn farming in Bangladesh”. Each scholarship is three-year full time with start around 1st October 2022. Enrolment will be at Patuakhali Science and Technology University, the Faculty of Business Administration and University of Copenhagen in Denmark on the other. Successful students can thus obtain a double degree.

Who can apply?

Only nationals of Bangladesh can apply. An MSc/MA degree must have been completed at the time of application in Bangladesh or abroad.

This application form consists of the following nine parts

•   Part A Personal Details

•   Part B Doctoral Study Synopsis

•   Part C Academic Qualifications

•   Part D Brief Curriculum Vitae

•   Part E References

•   Part F Checklist

•   Part G Other Information

•   Part H Declaration and Signature

How to complete this application form?

·     Please write in the indicated boxes. Respect all word limits

·    All personal information should correspond with your certificates/passport, e.g. spelling of names

·    All documents must either be originals or be certified copies

·    Ensure that you complete the checklist, print out the form and sign the declaration on the last page

·    All documents should be submitted in the same e-mail

·    We recommend keeping photocopies of your application

·    Do not include this front page when you submit your application

·     Read the “Guidelines to completing the application form”

·     Applications can only be submitted electronically

Please return this form and enclosures to this email address:

bzaman_pstu@yahoo.com (Prof. Badiuzzaman, PSTU).

APPLICATION FORM

Part A         Personal Details

Note – according to passport/official documents. Always supply two email addresses that you use.

First name(s)
Family name
Date of birth (dd/mm/yy)
Nationality
Sex (M, F)
Residence address
E-mail address
Alternative    E-mail address

Part B Doctoral Study Synopsis (Max 1500 words excl. references, see Guidelines)

The number and working title below must correspond to those found in the call for applications. Attach the doctoral study synopsis as a separate document and name it “yourfirstname_yoursurname_synopsis.pdf”, e.g. “Godwill_Segesela_synopsis.pdf”

Related to the announced research topic (number and title):

Part C   Academic Qualifications

Second University Degree(s)

Type of Degree (MSc/MA)
Full official name of university
City and country of university
Field (e.g. economy, biology, ecology)
Year obtained
Other academic qualifications, please list (e.g. BSc, BA)
Result at masters level	Your score/GPA Max possible score Comments:

All applicants must include certified copies of official transcripts. Documents not in English should

be accompanied by an official certified translation. Do NOT enclose high school or BSc/BA level transcripts. You must also enclose an official explanation of the grading system.

Part D   Brief Curriculum Vitae (Education only from BSc/BA; study relevant employment only; list all your publications)

Part E   References

Please list the two academics you have asked to write a letter of recommendation for you. The letters are to be printed on letterhead and signed. We welcome references providing relevant information that cannot be found elsewhere in the application materials, and that contribute to understanding the applicant’s abilities and suitability for doctoral studies.

Referees should directly email their recommendation in pdf version to  bzaman_pstu@yahoo.com (Prof. Badiuzzaman, PSTU) indicating name of the applicant.

First referee

Name
Title
Organization
Telephone
E-mail address

Name     Title     Organization     Telephone     E-mail address

Second referee

Part F          Checklist

I have included the following documents in one pdf-file with my application:

	Certified copy of second university degree (MSc)
	Certified English translation of transcripts, if necessary
	Official explanation of grading system
	Doctoral study synopsis
	Clear copy of passport

Please explain if you did not provide the required information with this application.

Part G   Other information

Equal opportunities

The project applies a policy of equal opportunities for people with special needs. Do you have any physical disability?

Yes:    No:      If yes, please specify

Criminal record

Are you currently under any criminal charges? Yes:    No:      If yes, please specify

Part H        Declaration & Signature

I declare that the information provided by me is correct and complete. I understand that incomplete information will delay the application process and I accept that incorrect information will render the application invalid.

I declare that I have not previously received a PhD fellowship for doctoral education.

Date (dd/mm/yy)
City, Country
Name of applicant
Signature

NOTE:  This application, inclusive of attachments, will only be used for assessment purposes. Personal data is collected and used in accordance with Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 1995 on “the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data”.

Submitted material will not be returned.

Guidelines to complete the PhD Application Form

These guidelines provide directions on how to complete the PhD Application Form. They do not provide detailed comments on each part of the application form; these are seen as self- explanatory. Instead the guidelines explain how applications are assessed and thus what you should pay particular attention to when completing your application.

If you have any questions regarding the application, you can address them to bzaman_pstu@yahoo.com (Prof. Badiuzzaman, PSTU).

How are applications assessed?

First, applications are screened for eligibility. You should make sure that your application is complete – pay particular attention to the items mentioned in Part F (Checklist) of the application form.

Eligible applications are then evaluated by the Assessment Committee consisting of a number of senior scholars. The evaluation categories are:

–      Academic performance as indicated by (i) a very good second university degree; and (ii) documented research achievements, e.g. publications in international journals with peer review or other indicators of intellectual potential, e.g. relevant working experience in (international) organizations with very competitive selection processes (40%).

–      Research synopsis that closely relates to one of the research topics announced by the “ECOPRAWN – Climate-friendly and climate-resilient prawn farming in Bangladesh” project and demonstrates insight and interest in the subject (40%).

–     Recommendations from the two academic references (20%).

Each of the three categories is given a score from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent); eligible applicants must not score 3 or lower in any category. All short-listed applicants must score at least 4 (very good) for their submitted research synopsis. The three categories are weighted 40%,

40% and 20%. Overall average score is used to rank all applicants.

Full applications are due 25^th June 2022. The best applicants will be short-listed around 5^th July 2022 and invited to develop full research proposals (in collaboration with their supervisors; contact to supervisors will be facilitated) by 16^th August 2022. Short-listed applicants with full research proposal will be invited for presentation on 21-24 August 2022. We expect to offer contracts to around one-third of the short-listed applicants. The scholarships will commence on 1^st October 2022 or soon after.”

What should I pay particular attention to when preparing my application?

The evaluation criteria focus on your academic potential. Here is what we are looking for:

§     Convincing research synopsis

Your doctoral study synopsis should be closely aligned with one of the announced research topics, is mandatory. Even though you have limited space, only 1500 words (excluding references), your synopsis should (i) be complete, i.e. include sufficient information to allow an evaluation, (ii) show that you have a good overview and understanding of the relevant literature and the key issues in the research topic field, (iii) contain research questions that you plan to answer, (iv) convince the Assessors that your choice of methods is sound, and (v) that you will be able to undertake the study, i.e. that you have the competences and a realistic work plan. End the synopsis by providing the word count (excl. references).

§     Convincing written work

Make sure that any published work is clearly presented in your CV, in particular any peer- reviewed international journal papers. Also make sure that you list any theses, book

chapters, etc.

§     Two strong recommendation letters

Letters of recommendation are assessed for additional evidence of your academic achievements, interests, and personal motivation. The Assessment Committee will take into account the academic experience of the referee, as a scholar and as a supervisor of

successful doctoral candidates. You should therefore strive to get letters of recommendations from strong academics.

§     Brief Curriculum Vitae

This should show your high level of academic achievement and/or relevant non-academic experiences. Include a complete list of your publications.

§     Feed-back

Make your peers and, if at all possible, other experienced people read and comment on your research synopsis before you submit it. Use feed-back to revise and improve the synopsis.

§     Consult research proposal writing guidelines

There are many good guides to how to write a convincing research proposal. Read some of these to get additional tips and inspiration on how to improve your proposal.

§     Format requirements

Remember that you are only allowed to submit your application as one email with two attached PhD-documents; (1) the completed and signed application form in pdf-format

and (2) all other supporting documents (see checklist under ‘Part F’ in the “PhD Application Form‟) compiled into one pdf-file.

Guidelines for short-listed candidates

Short-listed applicants must develop a full research project description. This note describes how this should be done and when. There are four key steps that may overlap in time: (i) establishment of contact between applicant and supervisors, (ii) development of the full research project description, (iii) submission of the final full project description, and (iv) discussion of the submitted description at personal interview.

Step 1: Development of the full research project description

You are responsible for the development of a draft project description, i.e. the next version of the research synopsis you submitted with your original application. The draft project description must contain information on:

1.  Working title

2.  Project background and justification

3.  Objectives

4.  Research questions

5.  Methods

6.  Risks and ethics of proposed research

7.  Expected outcomes and time schedule (use Gantt chart)

8.  List of references

You may find it useful to re-read the “Guidelines for completing the application form”. Note that the final project description must contain no more than 3,000 words (exclusive of item 8). Specify the number of words used at the end of the project description. Do not exceed the word limit.

The applicant is responsible for submitting the full project description via email attachments to bzaman_pstu@yahoo.com (Prof. Badiuzzaman, PSTU) must not be larger than 12MB in total.

Step 2: Discussion of draft research project description at personal interview

All short-listed applicants, whose full applications are submitted by the deadline, will present their full research project proposal before an assessment committee, consisting of senior university faculty. Each applicant must prepare an oral project presentation lasting no more than 15 minutes. It should start by giving a brief introduction to the interviewee. We expect that half of the short-listed applicants will be offered a fellowship.

Interviews will take place in skype meeting, exact time and place will be announced in due time before the interview.