Applications are invited for a Research Associate in Climate Governance to contribute to an EU-funded research project titled 'Accelerating Climate Action: Navigating towards a Low-Emissions, Resilient Future' (ACCLIMATE).
The overall objective of the ACCLIMATE project is to achieve enhanced integrated national and international strategies for climate-resilient, low-emission development. ACCLIMATE will contribute to improving the transparency, consistency, and clarity of emission reduction commitments and create appropriate tools by developing an assessment framework for mitigation commitments. Working in a bottom-up manner with national experts within an international consortium comprising high-emitting countries from the Americas, Asia and Europe, as well as low-emitting countries from West Africa, ACCLIMATE will identify needs for improvements of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and long-term strategies. A focus will be set on adequacy, fairness and feasibility, as well as on needs for improving current policies and measures to actually achieve the NDCs and long-term objectives.
Together with the Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Cambridge is leading the ACCLIMATE work package on enhancing international cooperation. As part of this work, the project will develop an assessment framework to assess the quality of mitigation commitments, study the effects of the Global Stocktake on subsequent NDCs, assess the potential of selected international cooperative initiatives to increase effectiveness and, and assess the implications of EU measures for international climate cooperation. The Research Associate is expected to contribute to these tasks, as well as participation by Cambridge in the ACCLIMATE project more generally.
Please see the further information document for the key responsibilities of the role.
Candidates should possess a PhD (submitted or nearly submitted at the time of application) in a social science relevant to European and/or international climate change governance.
Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD, or an equivalent research doctorate. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded.
Candidates should provide evidence of potential for research and publication at the highest level, as well as a strong interest in engagement in empirically grounded and interdisciplinary research. They should also have excellent communication skills and demonstrate interest and experience working with stakeholders including other researchers, policymakers, and NGO and communities.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 18 months in the first instance.
Informal queries about this position may be directed to Professor Harro van Asselt:
Please upload:
* a full Curriculum Vitae (max. 4 pages) including a list of publications
* a cover letter (max 2 pages) including a statement of your research, your relevant work experience and qualifications, and how your profile fits the position
* the contact details of two referees
After shortlisting, where you have given permission, your nominated referees will be asked to provide a reference via the on-line system.
Interviews are planned for 17-19 November 2025.
Please quote reference JP47395 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. We particularly welcome applications from candidates from a BAME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Key information
Department/location
Department of Land Economy
Salary
£33,002-£46,049
Reference
JP47395
Category
Research
Date published
25 September 2025
Closing date
27 October 2025