Fostering Decent Work for Transient Frontline Employees in the Digital Tourism Age South East Technological University (Waterford) in Ireland

This fully funded PhD position at South East Technological University (Waterford) offers an exciting opportunity to explore the intersection of technology, human resource management, and workforce sustainability in the tourism and hospitality sector. The project, titled Fostering Decent Work for Transient Frontline Employees in the Digital Tourism Age, addresses the critical challenges faced by transient workers whose experiences with workplace technology are often overlooked. The research aims to develop practical HR strategies that promote decent work and sustainable careers, aligning with UN SDG 8 and SETU’s strategic goals.

As a doctoral researcher, you will conduct desk-based research on human–technology interaction, focusing on how digital tools reshape frontline roles, skills, and working conditions. You will engage in primary research with transient workers using semi-structured interviews and qualitative data analysis (e.g., NVivo), and participate in co-design research with HR managers and employees to develop tailored HR strategies for hybrid human–technology service roles. The project is interdisciplinary and participatory, offering collaboration with industry partners and access to SETU’s Analysing Social Change Research Group, Business Research Group, and the Scottish Centre for Employment Research at the University of Strathclyde.

The position is based in the Department of Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Tourism, with integration into both the Faculty of Arts and Humanities and the Faculty of Business. You will benefit from a dynamic research environment, dedicated office space, and support from a cross-faculty supervisory team with extensive experience in service and tourism sectors. The BRIM-RIKON research centre, a nationally recognised hub for business research, further enhances the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of the project.

Funding: The SETU 2025 Presidents Scholarship Programme provides a stipend of €22,500 per annum, full fees (€5,750 per annum), and research costs (€2,000 per annum) for four years.

Eligibility: Applicants must hold at least a 2.1 Honours Degree in Hospitality, Tourism, Human Resources, Marketing, Business, or a related discipline, with evidence of prior research experience. A Master’s degree and experience in qualitative research or working with frontline employees in tourism/hospitality are desirable. Non-native English speakers must meet SETU’s English language requirements.

Application deadline: 22 April 2026 (4PM Irish time). Applications must be submitted via the SETU website. For informal queries, contact Dr Fabrice Bartholin at [email protected]. For application process queries, contact [email protected].

For more information and to apply, visit the SETU website or the FindAPhD project page.