The LSE ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership is pleased to offer the following Collaborative Studentship, commencing in September 2026:
Project Title: Innovations in Online Probability Panel Surveys
Collaborative Partner: Verian
LSE Department: Department of Methodology
Supervisory team: Professor Patrick Sturgis (p.sturgis@lse.ac.uk), Dr Tom Robinson
Project Description:
This PhD scholarship will focus on developing innovative approaches to the design and implementation of online probability panel surveys (OPP), responding to the decline of face-to-face survey interviewing and the growing shift to online data collection. OPPs are rapidly becoming the workhorse of high-quality survey research. They draw random samples of the target population and invite them to become members of a panel, with the expectation that they will complete regular surveys online for small monetary incentives. Offline members of the panel are able to complete surveys with paper questionnaires, or on the phone. The research will address key methodological challenges of OPPs around maximising response rates, minimising attrition, measuring and coding complex variables, and protecting against bot completion.
The successful candidate will work with the Verian Public Voice panel, one of only three OPPs in the UK and will have access to data and paradata and opportunities to embed experimental designs within survey implementations. A core focus of the project will be to explore the integration of Generative Artificial Intelligence in survey processes, with the full programme of work to be collaboratively developed with the project partner during the first year of the studentship.
Length of studentship:The studentship will commence in September 2026, with a duration of 3.5 years.
Value of studentship: LSE ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership Collaborative Studentships cover full fees and an annual stipend. The stipend per year for 2025/26 entry was £22,780
Candidate Requirements: Candidates must have completed a Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant social science discipline with core competencies in research design and statistics.
How to apply: Suitably qualified candidates should make an application via MPhil/PhD Social Research Methods.
Instead of submitting a research proposal, you should clearly cite the Collaborative Studentship project title and outline your suitability for the Studentship within the 'statement of academic purpose' section of your application, directly addressing the project description above. Please note this will only constitute an application for admission for the Collaborative Studentship.
If you would also like to be considered for general admission to this programme, please include a separate research proposal with your application, which meets the criteria for this programme as set out on the programme page.
Deadline for applications: 14 January 2026
Enquiries regarding the application process should directed to Pam Rolfe, Deputy Head of Scholarships and Financial Support (p.rolfe@lse.ac.uk)