University of Cambridge is Seeking a Research Associate in Climate Governance (Fixed Term) – Apply Before 27 October 2025
Department of Land Economy, University of Cambridge
Reference: JP47395
Salary Range: £34,610 – £46,049 per annum
Fixed Term: 18 months
Overview
The University of Cambridge invites applications for a Research Associate in Climate Governance to join the Department of Land Economy. The successful candidate will contribute to an EU-funded project, Accelerating Climate Action: Navigating Towards a Low-Emissions, Resilient Future (ACCLIMATE).
The project aims to enhance integrated national and international strategies for climate-resilient, low-emission development. It seeks to improve the transparency, consistency, and clarity of emission reduction commitments, while supporting the development of effective frameworks for assessing and advancing global mitigation efforts.
Project Context
The ACCLIMATE project operates through a broad international consortium including research institutions and national experts from the Americas, Asia, Europe, and West Africa. By adopting a collaborative and bottom-up approach, the project identifies opportunities to strengthen Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and long-term decarbonization strategies.
Key areas of focus include the adequacy, fairness, and feasibility of existing commitments, as well as the improvement of current policies and measures to ensure the achievement of national and international climate objectives.
Together with the Vrije Universiteit Brussels, the University of Cambridge leads the work package on enhancing international cooperation. This component involves developing an assessment framework for mitigation commitments, evaluating the role of the Global Stocktake in shaping subsequent NDCs, and analyzing the potential of international cooperative initiatives to improve policy effectiveness. The research also examines the implications of EU climate measures for international governance and collaboration.
Role and Responsibilities
The Research Associate will play an active role in implementing the ACCLIMATE work programme and advancing Cambridge’s contribution to the consortium.
Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting empirical and theoretical research on European and international climate governance.
- Contributing to the design and application of an assessment framework for global mitigation commitments.
- Evaluating policy coherence, international cooperation mechanisms, and implications of the Global Stocktake process.
- Supporting interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders within and beyond the project.
- Contributing to publications, conference presentations, and policy briefs that advance understanding of effective climate governance.
The appointee will work closely with Professor Harro van Asselt, project partners, and members of the Department of Land Economy’s environmental policy research team.
Candidate Profile
Applicants should hold, or be about to complete, a PhD in a social science discipline relevant to European and/or international climate change governance. Candidates who have submitted their thesis but not yet received the award will be appointed as Research Assistants, with progression to Research Associate status upon confirmation of the PhD.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- A strong research record or potential for publication in high-impact academic journals.
- Proven ability to conduct empirically grounded, interdisciplinary research.
- A solid understanding of international climate policy processes and institutional frameworks.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Experience engaging with stakeholders, including policymakers, NGOs, and research partners.
A collaborative approach, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to advancing the goals of the ACCLIMATE project are essential.
Terms of Appointment
- Duration: 18 months, fixed-term.
- Location: Department of Land Economy, University of Cambridge.
- Start Date: Early 2026 (subject to mutual agreement).
- Salary: £34,610 – £46,049 per annum, dependent on qualifications and experience.
The position offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to a major European initiative addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time—climate change governance.
Application Process
Applicants should submit their materials via the University of Cambridge online recruitment system. Required documents include:
- A Curriculum Vitae (maximum 4 pages), including a list of publications.
- A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining research interests, relevant experience, and suitability for the position.
- Contact details for two referees who may be approached following shortlisting.
Candidates are encouraged to quote the reference number JP47395 in all correspondence. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews, which are expected to take place between 17–19 November 2025.
For informal inquiries regarding this position, candidates may contact Professor Harro van Asselt at: [email protected].
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
The University of Cambridge is committed to equality of opportunity and values diversity within its community. The institution actively encourages applications from individuals belonging to underrepresented backgrounds, including candidates from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups, for this role.
All appointments are made strictly on the basis of merit. The University also ensures compliance with UK right-to-work and immigration regulations.
About the University
As one of the world’s leading research institutions, the University of Cambridge fosters excellence in teaching, discovery, and collaboration. The Department of Land Economy integrates law, economics, and environmental policy, providing an ideal environment for interdisciplinary research in sustainability, resource management, and global governance.
Application Deadline: 27 October 2025
Interview Dates: 17–19 November 2025
For more details, visit the University’s official job portal at www.jobs.cam.ac.uk.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the seeking institute. For any inquiries, please contact the official 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.
