Postdoctoral Researcher Political Economy of Net Zero

Postdoctoral Researcher in the Political Economy of Net Zero

Environmental Change Institute, School of Geography and the Environment, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY

Join a major UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship project exploring how the UK can deliver a fair and effective transition to net zero. Based at the Environmental Change Institute, this role focuses on rethinking the political economy of decarbonisation across key sectors including energy, housing, transport, and food. Working with Dr Donal Brown, you will play a central role in delivering a core work package examining how ownership structures, governance systems, business models, and value logics shape the outcomes and public legitimacy of the net zero transition.

Your research will combine political economy, economic history, sociology, and sustainability studies to analyse current decarbonisation pathways and explore alternative models capable of delivering more equitable social and environmental outcomes. You will undertake mixed‑methods research, including literature and policy analysis, interviews with policymakers and industry stakeholders, and the development of conceptual frameworks around a “new political economy of net zero.”

You will contribute to high‑quality academic publications and policy‑relevant outputs, and engage in wider debates on sustainability transitions. You will hold, or be close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in a relevant field and bring strong analytical and research skills, including experience with qualitative methods and interdisciplinary work. The ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to both academic and policy audiences, and to work collaboratively within a research team, is essential.

Candidates should submit a CV (including key publications) and a two‑page cover letter outlining how their background and experience make them suitable for the role, and how they would conceptualise the political economic challenges facing the UK’s net zero transition. This is an opportunity to contribute to a high‑profile research programme shaping how the UK navigates the social, economic, and political challenges of achieving net zero.

This post is fixed term until 31 May 2029 and offered on a full time basis (1 FTE / 37.5 hours).