Call for Applications 2025: Policy Response Unit Research Roles at the MACC Hub
The Maximising UK Adaptation to Climate Change (MACC) Hub, led by King’s College London and funded by Defra and UKRI, is inviting applications for four short-term research roles as part of its Policy Response Unit (PRU). These roles are designed to support the UK Government by delivering rapid, evidence-based insights that inform climate adaptation policy development.
About the MACC Hub
The MACC Hub serves as a national initiative to strengthen the UK’s capacity to respond to climate risks through coordinated research, policy support, and knowledge exchange. Working across all four nations of the UK, the Hub generates high-impact research that evaluates and improves the effectiveness of climate adaptation strategies.
At the centre of this work is the Policy Response Unit—a dedicated team tasked with responding directly to government policy needs, including those identified through the UK Climate Change Risk Assessment and addressed in the Third National Adaptation Programme (NAP3).
Policy Response Unit: Role and Scope
The PRU delivers short-term, focused research projects that address priority questions posed by UK Government departments and the Devolved Administrations. Each commissioned study is designed to provide actionable findings that can shape policy decisions related to climate resilience. Over a three-year period, the PRU will issue three funding calls for rapid evidence projects—this being the first.
Research Roles Now Open
The Hub is currently seeking researchers to deliver four desk-based projects over an approximately four-month period. The roles are suitable for researchers from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds, particularly those with an interest in climate adaptation, policy, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Current Opportunities:
- Trade-offs and Co-benefits for On-Farm Climate Adaptation
- In collaboration with Defra’s agri-food climate adaptation team, this project explores the trade-offs and co-benefits of proposed adaptation measures in agriculture.
- Policies Addressing Food System Vulnerabilities to Climate Change
- Also in partnership with Defra, this study examines international best practices for reducing food system vulnerability and assesses their relevance to the UK context.
- Health Impacts of Overheating on Vulnerable Prisoner Cohorts
- Working with the Ministry of Justice, this research investigates how overheating affects vulnerable individuals within the prison estate and proposes viable policy solutions.
- Integrating Adaptation into the Decent Homes Standard
- Commissioned by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, this project evaluates how climate adaptation could be embedded within the Decent Homes Standard.
Role Details and Expectations
Successful applicants will join the MACC Hub team and be embedded within a vibrant interdisciplinary research community. Researchers will work closely with government departments, receiving mentorship and training, and will contribute to open-access publications aimed at shaping UK policy.
While residency in London is not required, in-person collaboration is expected at key stages of the project. Travel to King’s College London and relevant government departments will be necessary.
Application Process
To apply, candidates must review the relevant research brief and submit the following documents in a single PDF (max 5 pages):
- A two-page summary demonstrating how the applicant meets the essential and desirable criteria.
- A one-page timeline and working pattern proposal.
- A two-page curriculum vitae.
Submission Deadline: 17:00 BST on Friday 4 July 2025
Successful candidates will be notified by Monday 14 July, with projects expected to commence by Monday 4 August 2025.
Commitment to Equity
The MACC Hub is committed to promoting equity and inclusion. Applications are strongly encouraged from early-career researchers, individuals from underrepresented groups in climate adaptation, and those with non-traditional career trajectories. Flexible working patterns will be supported wherever possible.
Data Protection
All personal data collected during the application process will be managed in accordance with UK data protection legislation. Information will be used solely for application processing, contract management, and reporting to funders. Unsuccessful applications will be deleted within 12 months of the call deadline.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the responsible organization. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible 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.
