Scottish Enterprise Dumfries and Galloway (SEDG) have combined in partnership with the University of Paisley and Paisley Enterprise Research Centre (PERC) to form a Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship at our Crichton Campus in Dumfries. The partnership arrangement has enabled initial funding for a research fellowship and a research studentship in rural enterprise and entrepreneurship. It is expected that the Centre will become a leading international focus for rural enterprise research and practice. It is envisaged that following establishment of the Centre, sources of external funding will be sought to expand the activities of the Centre.

The post will be concerned with leading and developing research projects concerned with rural enterprise in Dumfries and Galloway and with similar regions. Projects will be developed with the guidance of the Director of PERC, Professor David Deakins and in co-operation with SEDG and a Steering Committee for the research centre. Research projects are likely to be concerned with innovation, diversification, commercialisation and additional issues in enterprise development for rural SMEs. It is likely that the Centre's research projects will be continually evolving and may depend on additional external funding. Outcomes from the research projects will inform the policy of SEDG and may be used to inform best practice across the Scottish Enterprise Network. PERC also runs seminars, conferences and other events concerned with enterprise development and dissemination of work. To raise the profile of the Centre, it is hoped to host an annual international conference on rural enterprise. The person appointed will be expected to assist with the administration of these events. An important role will be develop contacts with other centres of expertise on rural enterprise, including European and international best practice. Comparative findings will be an important aspect of the work of the centre and will inform the policy of SEDG. There may be a small amount of related tutorial work with undergraduate teaching.

The research studentship post will support the work of the Research Fellow and the work of the Centre on rural enterprise and entrepreneurship. The specific nature of the research project will be decided in conjunction with the Research Fellow and with the Director of PERC, Professor David Deakins. The post will not be available until the Research Fellowship has been appointed and taken-up. Policy outcomes will be expected from the project. A requirement of the post will be to participate in the University Research Methods course (at Paisley campus) and University events for research students. Assistance may be required with the Centre's activities including seminars, conferences and workshops.

You should have, or be completing, a PhD in entrepreneurship or a relevant area. Candidates without a doctorate may be considered if they have extensive relevant research experience. Experience of both qualitative and quantitative research is desirable. Knowledge of, and experience in, the enterprise community will be an advantage. A sympathetic and mature attitude is required for much of the Centre's research which will normally require face to face interviews with rural small firm entrepreneurs. Consequently a mature, enthusiastic and pleasant attitude is more important as well as previous research experience. You are expected to be familiar with statistical packages such as SPSS. You must have the ability to provide independent leadership and work closely with a ‘research team’.

For the research studentship you should have a good honours degree in a relevant discipline. Previous research experience is desirable but not essential. Knowledge and experience of the rural enterprise community will be a distinct advantage. You should have a mature attitude and be capable of working under limited supervision.

Interested candidates for both posts are welcome to contact Professor David Deakins, Director of PERC and Associate Dean (Research) at PBS, phone 0141-848-3933 or e-mail; david.deakins@paisley.ac.uk.

Further details on the work of PERC is provided our Annual Report, available on application.

SEDG's role is to help build a stronger and sustainable economy throughout South-West Scotland. SEDG does this by working closely with businesses, individuals, universities, colleges and other public sector bodies. With a budget of around £10 m., this enables SEDG to provide a comprehensive range of services under three key themes:

• Growing Businesses: assisting people to start new businesses and helping existing local businesses to grow.

• Learning and Skills: helping people to gain the knowledge they need to secure tomorrow's jobs or improve their prospects within their current employment.

• Global Connections: working with local businesses to develop their international markets and building on Dumfries and Galloway's reputation as a great place to live, work and invest.

An opportunity to play a key role in developing a new centre in Rural Enterprise Entrepreneurship at our Crichton Campus in Dumfries. For the research fellowship you should have PhD and/or relevant previous research experience. For the research studentship you should have a good honours degree in a relevant discipline.

Research Fellowship: Fixed term for 3 years, Scale RA1A.

Research studentship: University Research Studentship grant and fees, fixed term 3 years.

Informal enquiries can be made to Professor David Deakins, 0141-848-3933, e-mail; david.deakins@paisley.ac.uk

Further details and application form from: