Postdoctoral Researcher in the Political Economy of Net Zero at the University of Oxford (Fully Funded Research Opportunity Until 2029)

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:

1. Energy Systems
   • Ownership and governance of renewable energy
   • Equity in energy transitions
   • Public legitimacy of energy policies
2. Housing and Built Environment
   • Sustainable housing models
   • Green retrofitting and affordability
   • Climate justice in urban planning
3. Transport Systems
   • Accessibility and fairness in low-carbon mobility
   • Public versus private transport models
   • Infrastructure inequalities
4. 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

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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.

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is:

12:00 noon (UK time), 11 June 2026

Only applications submitted before the deadline will be considered.

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