10 Mar 2026
Job Information
- Organisation/Company
South East Technological University- Research Field
Economics » Marketing
Economics » Tourism studies- Researcher Profile
First Stage Researcher (R1)- Positions
PhD Positions- Application Deadline
22 Apr 2026 - 16:00 (Europe/Dublin)- Country
Ireland- Type of Contract
Other- Type of Contract Extra Information
N/A 4-year PhD scholarship- Job Status
Full-time- Hours Per Week
40- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?
Not funded by a EU programme- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?
No
Offer Description
PhD Scholarship
Duration: 4 Years/48 Months
Status: Full-time
Funding information: SETU 2025 Presidents Scholarship Programme
Value of the scholarship per year for four years:
Stipend: €22,500 per annum
Fees of €5,750 per annum
Research costs: €2,000 per annum
Closing date and time: Wednesday, 22 April at 4PM Irish time
Interview date: To be confirmed
PhD commencement date: To be confirmed
Project Key Words: Decent Work in Tourism, Frontline workers–Technology Interaction, Participatory Research
Post summary
The tourism industry continues to face severe labour shortages and relies heavily on transient workers, whose experiences with workplace technology are often overlooked despite technology sometimes worsening rather than improving career prospects. This research examines how transient frontline workers experience technology and uses their insights, along with input from HR managers, to develop HR strategies that promote decent work and sustainable careers. Through an interdisciplinary, participatory approach, the project aims to create practical frameworks and tailored HR solutions that help tourism organisations integrate human–technology roles while advancing UN SDG 8 and SETU’s strategic goals.
In this PhD, you will explore how transient frontline workers experience workplace technologies in the tourism and hospitality sector. You will work with industry partners to co‑develop human‑centred human resource strategies that promote decent work and sustainable careers in a rapidly digitalising tourism landscape.
What you will work on:
Desk‑based research on human–technology interaction to understand how digital tools are reshaping frontline roles, skills, and working conditions, with a specific focus on transient workers.
Lived‑experience primary research with transient workers, using semi‑structured interviews grounded in the Critical Incident Technique.
Qualitative data analysis using thematic and content analysis approaches with appropriate software (e.g., NVivo).
Participatory co‑design research through focus groups with human resource managers and employees, developing tailored HR strategies for hybrid human–technology service roles for transient workers.
Contribute to decent work and tourism labour research by developing a framework that defines the emerging hybrid roles of transient workers in technology‑driven tourism workplaces, aligning with UN SDG 8 and supporting industry initiatives for workforce sustainability.
You will be registered on the 4‑year SETU structured PhD programme and located in the Department of Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Tourism in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities (SETU Waterford campus). This research will be guided by a carefully curated interdisciplinary, cross‑Faculty and cross‑University supervisory team, united by a commitment to understanding the societal impact of evolving work patterns from the perspective of lived employee experiences. All members of the supervisory team are research‑active with extensive experience in the service and tourism sectors.
You will be fully integrated into the dynamic research environment spanning SETU’s Faculty of Arts and Humanities and Faculty of Business, with dedicated office space at the Luke Wadding Library. The project’s interdisciplinary nature provides direct access to networks within SETU’s Analysing Social Change Research Group and the Business Research Group, as well as research collaborators at the Scottish Centre for Employment Research through the University of Strathclyde, creating rich opportunities for collaboration. You will also benefit from the nationally recognised research centre BRIM‑RIKON in the Faculty of Business, led by established researchers and comprising 63 members with a strong track record of producing high‑quality research outputs.
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
· Hold a First-class Honours Degree (Level 8) or at minimum a 2.1 Honours Degree in the areas of Hospitality, Tourism, Human Resources, Marketing, Business, or a related discipline in Humanities and Social Science.
· Evidence of prior research experience, such as a Master’s dissertation, Master’s by Research, or a strong undergraduate thesis involving a structured research process.
· Strong interest in customer contact service environments and challenges related to labour shortages, transient work, and workforce sustainability.
Desirable
· Hold a Master’s Degree (Level 9) in in the areas of Hospitality, Tourism, Human Resources, Marketing, Business, or a related discipline in Humanities and Social Science.
· Experience conducting qualitative data collection, including interviewing, coding, or analysing qualitative data using tools such as NVivo.
· Experience working with frontline employees or HR teams in tourism/hospitality contexts (minimum 2+ years), ideally at supervisory or managerial level.
· Exposure to or interest in workplace technology, digital service tools, automation, AI, or service robotics in tourism/hospitality settings.
Skills & Competencies
Essential
• Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate on application that they meet SETU’s English language requirements and provide all necessary documentation. See Page 7 of the Code of Practice
• In order to be shortlisted for interview, you must meet the SETU English speaking requirements so please provide evidence in your application.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport with a wide range of people, including employees and managers in the tourism and hospitality industry.
• Strong communication skills: written, verbal, and in presenting research ideas clearly.
• Ability to work independently, demonstrate resilience, manage time effectively, and organise fieldwork across multiple sites.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex and subjective experiences.
Desirable
• Competence in qualitative analysis software (e.g., NVivo) or willingness to learn.
• Facilitation skills for leading interviews, focus groups, or co‑design workshops.
• Ability to translate research insights into practical recommendations for industry partners.
• Interest in tourism employment policy, workforce development, or the UN SDGs, especially SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth).
Further information
For any informal queries, please contact Dr Fabrice Bartholin on email fabrice.bartholin@setu.ie
Application procedure
Complete the online Application Form from the SETU website quoting the advert reference code SETU_2025_01_WSCH.
Please ensure that you upload all supporting documents as part of your submission.
Please note that applications must be submitted by this route.
For queries relating to the application and admission process please contact the Postgraduate Admissions Office via email researchadmissions@setu.ie or telephone +353 (0)51 302883.
University Website: https://www.setu.ie
The University will short-list and interview those applicants who provide the most suitable information in terms of experience, qualifications and other requirements relevant to the scholarship.
SOUTH EAST TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY (SETU) IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER
Where to apply
- Website
- https://www.setu.ie
Requirements
- Research Field
- Economics » Tourism studies
- Education Level
- Bachelor Degree or equivalent
Additional Information
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available
- 1
- Company/Institute
- South East Technological University
- Country
- Ireland
- Geofield
Contact
- City
Carlow- Website
http://www.setu.ie- Street
Kilkenny Road- Postal Code
R93 V960
Sarah.Obrien@setu.ie
STATUS: EXPIRED
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