The University of Oxford is Hiring a Departmental Lecturer and Researcher in Environmental Science & Policy with a Global South focus (5 years full-time)

The University of Oxford is recruiting a Departmental Lecturer and Researcher in Environmental Science and Policy with a Global South focus.

This five-year, full-time position is based at the Environmental Change Institute (ECI), part of the School of Geography and the Environment in Oxford, UK.

This role represents a significant opportunity for an outstanding early-career academic to contribute to interdisciplinary environmental research, quantitative systems analysis, and science–policy engagement in Global South contexts.

About the Environmental Change Institute (ECI)

The Environmental Change Institute is internationally recognised for research addressing complex environmental challenges. As the ECI expands its expertise in environmental science and policy related to the Global South, this appointment will strengthen:

• Quantitative and computational environmental research
• Systems-based and integrated analytical approaches
• Interdisciplinary collaboration across environmental domains
• Policy-relevant research with real-world impact

The successful candidate will demonstrate leadership potential at the science–policy interface and contribute to shaping innovative environmental research and teaching.

Key Responsibilities: Departmental Lecturer and Researcher in Environmental Science and Policy (Global South Focus)

Teaching and Academic Leadership

The post combines high-quality postgraduate teaching with active research. The appointee will contribute to the MSc in Environmental Change and Policy by:

• Delivering lectures and leading seminars
• Designing and developing core modules and electives
• Supervising MSc dissertations
• Conducting assessments and providing academic feedback
• Supporting field trips, workshops, and experiential learning

The lecturer will help cultivate a rigorous, inclusive, and intellectually engaging environment for postgraduate students.

Research Development

Alongside teaching, the successful candidate will establish an independent research programme aligned with one or more of the ECI’s core themes:

• Climate
• Ecosystems
• Energy
• Food Systems
• Global Finance and Economy
• Infrastructure Systems
• Land, Society and Governance

Particular interest is placed on candidates with expertise in:

• Environmental systems and risk analysis
• Systems thinking and integrated assessment frameworks
• Computational, modelling, or quantitative approaches
• Scientific analysis applied to environmental policy challenges in Global South contexts

The role emphasises strengthening quantitative and systems-based approaches within interdisciplinary environmental research.

Candidate Profile and Requirements

Applicants must hold, or be close to completing (with approved corrections), a doctorate in a relevant field. The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• A strong publication record appropriate to career stage
• Experience in quantitative research and analytical techniques
• Proven ability to teach effectively at postgraduate level
• Capacity for interdisciplinary collaboration
• Engagement with policy-relevant research

The University seeks a scholar capable of bridging scientific research and public policy, particularly within Global South environmental contexts.

Contract and Salary Details

• Contract type: Fixed-term (5 years)
• Hours: Full-time (1 FTE, 37.5 hours per week)
• Grade: Research Grade 7
• Salary range: £39,424 – £47,779
• Vacancy ID: 185016
• Location: South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY

Employee Benefits

The University of Oxford offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support staff wellbeing and work-life balance, including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days of annual leave
• Family leave schemes
• A wide range of childcare services
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and season ticket travel loans

Application Process

Applicants must submit an online application including:

• A covering letter
• A supporting statement addressing each selection criterion
• A CV
• Details of two referees

In the supporting statement, candidates should clearly explain how they meet the selection criteria and outline their motivation for applying. Guidance on preparing a CV and supporting statement is available via the University’s recruitment website.

Technical queries regarding the application may be directed to: recruit@ouce.ox.ac.uk

Closing Date

The deadline for applications is:

12:00 noon (UK time), 4 March 2026

Only applications received by this time will be considered.

Commitment to Equality and Diversity

The University of Oxford and the School of Geography and the Environment are Silver Athena SWAN holders, reflecting their commitment to gender equality and inclusive academic environments.

Applications are particularly encouraged from:

• Women
• Black and minority ethnic candidates
• Individuals from groups underrepresented within the School

The School of Geography and the Environment is committed to equality, diversity, and fostering an inclusive academic community.

This position offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to leading research in environmental science and policy while shaping postgraduate education in one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this position. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.