The Environmental Change Institute (ECI) at the prestigious University of Oxford is inviting applications for a highly impactful academic opportunity: the Postdoctoral Researcher in the Political Economy of Net Zero. This position is part of a major UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship project that seeks to examine one of the most pressing global challenges of our time — how societies can transition to a low-carbon economy in a fair, inclusive, and socially just way.

This exciting research role offers scholars the chance to work at the intersection of climate policy, political economy, sustainability transitions, governance systems, and economic transformation. The successful candidate will contribute to a groundbreaking project investigating how ownership structures, business models, governance arrangements, and political systems influence who benefits — and who is left behind — in the journey toward achieving net zero emissions in the United Kingdom.

The position is based at the Environmental Change Institute within Oxford’s School of Geography and the Environment and will run on a fixed-term basis until 31 May 2029.

About the Research Project

The UK government’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions has sparked major transformations across sectors such as energy, transport, housing, and food systems. However, important questions remain unanswered:

Who benefits economically from the net zero transition?
Which communities are disadvantaged or excluded?
How do political and economic systems shape climate outcomes?
What alternative economic models could produce fairer environmental and social results?

This research project aims to answer these critical questions by developing a “new political economy of net zero.” The project explores how decarbonisation strategies can move beyond technical climate targets and address deeper structural inequalities within society.

The selected Postdoctoral Researcher will work closely with Dr Donal Brown and contribute to a major work package focused on analysing the political economy dimensions of climate mitigation and sustainability transitions.

Key Research Areas

The project spans multiple sectors that are central to climate action and decarbonisation efforts. These include:

Energy Systems
- Ownership and governance of renewable energy
- Equity in energy transitions
- Public legitimacy of energy policies
Housing and Built Environment
- Sustainable housing models
- Green retrofitting and affordability
- Climate justice in urban planning
Transport Systems
- Accessibility and fairness in low-carbon mobility
- Public versus private transport models
- Infrastructure inequalities
Food Systems
- Sustainable agricultural transitions
- Political economy of food production
- Climate resilience and food justice

The role combines perspectives from:

Political economy
Economic history
Sociology
Sustainability studies
Climate governance
Public policy

What the Selected Researcher Will Do

The successful candidate will play a central role in shaping the intellectual direction and outputs of the project. Responsibilities include:

Conducting Mixed-Methods Research

The researcher will undertake a combination of:

Literature reviews
Policy analysis
Qualitative interviews
Stakeholder engagement
Conceptual framework development

Engaging Policymakers and Industry Stakeholders

The project involves collaboration and dialogue with:

Government policymakers
Climate experts
Industry leaders
Sustainability organisations
Academic researchers

Publishing Academic and Policy Outputs

The selected candidate will contribute to:

Journal articles
Research reports
Policy briefs
Public-facing publications
Sustainability debates and conferences

Developing New Frameworks for Net Zero

A major objective is to rethink existing decarbonisation pathways and explore alternatives capable of delivering:

More equitable outcomes
Greater public legitimacy
Stronger democratic participation
Better social and environmental justice

Salary, Duration, and Benefits

This is a full-time research position offering a competitive salary and extensive employment benefits.

Salary

£39,424 – £47,779 per year
Research Grade 7

Contract Duration

Fixed-term until 31 May 2029

Working Hours

Full-time (37.5 hours per week)

Employee Benefits

Successful applicants will receive access to a wide range of benefits, including:

Excellent contributory pension scheme
38 days annual leave
Family leave schemes
Childcare services
Cycle loan scheme
Discounted bus travel
Season ticket travel loans

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should possess strong interdisciplinary research capabilities and a demonstrated interest in climate politics, sustainability transitions, and political economy.

Candidates are expected to have:

A PhD/DPhil (completed or near completion) in a relevant field
Strong qualitative research skills
Experience in interdisciplinary research
Excellent analytical abilities
Strong academic writing and communication skills
Ability to communicate with both scholarly and policy audiences
Capacity to work collaboratively within research teams

Relevant academic backgrounds may include:

Political Economy
Environmental Policy
Climate Studies
Sociology
Geography
Sustainability Studies
Public Policy
Economics
Political Science
Economic History

Application Requirements

Applicants must prepare and submit the following:

Required Documents

Updated CV (including publications)
Two-page cover letter/supporting statement
Details of two referees

What to Include in the Supporting Statement

Applicants should clearly explain:

How they meet each selection criterion
Their research background and experience
Their interest in the project
How they conceptualise the political economic challenges facing the UK’s net zero transition

Click here for more and to apply

Commitment to Equality and Diversity

The University of Oxford and the School of Geography and the Environment are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in academia.

Applications are particularly encouraged from:

Women
Black candidates
Minority ethnic candidates
Underrepresented groups in academia

The institution is also a Silver Athena SWAN holder, reflecting its commitment to gender equality and inclusive academic environments.

Why This Opportunity Matters

This postdoctoral position comes at a defining moment in global climate politics and economic transformation. Governments, businesses, and societies worldwide are grappling with how to achieve net zero goals without deepening existing inequalities.

This role provides a rare opportunity to:

Influence high-level climate policy discussions
Shape future sustainability debates
Contribute to transformative research
Work within one of the world’s leading universities
Build a strong international academic profile

Researchers passionate about climate justice, equitable transitions, and sustainable political economies will find this role both intellectually rewarding and socially impactful.