Research Associate; P-LNZ systems modelling

Research Associate (P-LNZ systems modelling)

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Associate to join our Centre for People‑Led Net Zero, building on the outputs from the centre for people‑led digitalisation.

The fundamental question of this project is how we can develop a people‑led approach to Net Zero, to assist with a resilient, fair and enduring transition. Our Vision is to deliver a people‑led, practical, systems‑based approach, enabling organisations, businesses and industry to decarbonise quickly, efficiently, and productively.

Research to date has demonstrated that people are key to any change, be it digitalisation or net zero. Building on our expertise where we have created practical, adoptable tools that demonstrate success is powered by people, our research harnesses this power with a focus on People‑Led Net Zero (P‑LNZ).

• Create system models usable by and for organisations
• Work across disciplines and create models to be adopted by current and future partners
• Determine opportunities and empower partners in achieving their Net‑Zero goals where everyone benefits
• Write up results of research and contribute to publications
• Identify sources of funding and aid with preparing research grants

Further Information

This role is offered on a full‑time (36.5 hours per week) fixed term for 36 months from March 2026.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Linda Newnes (Professor) on p‑

• As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year.
• A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their course completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once your PhD has been awarded.

• Familiarity with systems modelling; qualitative, quantitative and/or mixed
• An understanding of Net Zero
• Experience working across disciplines – a transdisciplinary team with many disciplines working towards a common goal, having a keenness to learn from and work with multiple disciplines is essential
• Strong communication skills to engage with internal and external stakeholders
• Research quality is key – applicants should publish in peer‑reviewed journals
• Evidence of the ability to provide clear, concise reports
• Comfortable presenting research, vision and activities to a wide range of audiences
• Ability to travel (with adequate notice/effective support) to undertake test‑case field work, present at conferences and engage with Centre meetings. We are inclusive in our approach and recognise people have varying needs/responsibilities – please let us know if you need support.

• Free counselling services through Health Assured
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Staff discount at Team Bath gym
• Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees Staff discount on language courses
• Generous employer contributory pension schemes
• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days for a positive work‑life balance
• A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including apprenticeships, Linked In Learning and more
• Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
• Local discounts and more
• A family‑friendly workplace
• An excellent reward package recognising the talents of our diverse workforce
• Relocation allowance
• Visa reimbursement and interest‑free loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses

Right to Work in the UK:
We do not assess immigration or right to work status until the offer stage. Being invited to interview does not guarantee you are eligible for visa sponsorship and all offers are conditional on meeting right to work requirements.

Anonymous shortlisting:
We are constantly seeking to reduce the unconscious bias that enters any assessment process, with the goal of creating an inclusive and equal assessment process. To support this, personal details such as your name may be removed from application forms at the initial shortlisting stage.