Research Associate (Green Finance - Land Use for Net Zero)

Vacancy terms: Full-time, part-time or job share, fixed term contract for twelve months. Subject to funding, an appointment on a part-time basis may result in a longer contract being possible.

Hours per week: 37.5

About the role

We are seeking an ambitious postdoctoral social science researcher to support the delivery of a new transdisciplinary research project that aims to assess the effectiveness and challenges of green/nature financing in the UK. This may include attitudes of institutional investors towards green/nature investing, adaptation of the biodiversity gain programme, carbon and nature markets.

The successful candidate will play a key role in collecting and analysing research data, helping with designing research methodology, writing academic papers and policy reports. The post holder will also support the project PI in all aspects of project and contribute to engagement with collaborators and the research team. 

We value professional development and will support the successful candidate in expanding their expertise and enhancing their academic profile. The work will directly contribute to the University of Leicester’s mission of driving impactful research and fostering a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and collaboration.

Green finance is crucial to unlock sustainable solutions that balance economic growth with environmental preservation. Understanding the strengths and shortcomings of the current funding solutions that drive conservation, restoration, and biodiversity protection, is important to redesign them to attract private and public investment needed to finance the green transformation. As climate change and ecosystem degradation accelerate, it is important to ensures that capital flows toward projects that safeguard our planet while generating long-term economic and social benefits, and a more resilient world.

With this aim, the Land for the Net Zero (LUNZ) Hub in co-operation with the Centre for Finance, Governance and Sustainable Growth (FGSG) at the University of Leicester join forces to develop research that will deliver research-based evidence to support policy makers and businesses.

The LUNZ Hub is co-funded by UKRI, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (on behalf of England and Wales), the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and the Scottish Government. It has been co-designed with Defra and the Welsh and Scottish governments, and co-led by the University of Leicester and the James-Hutton-Institute. The FGSG is a newly established research centre at the University of Leicester School of Business.

About you

This post would suit a researcher with a PhD in a relevant subject area or equivalent qualification in a relevant field, and demonstrate proven experience in delivering high-quality policy-driven research. Essential skills to the role are (i) expertise in analytical techniques and data analysis, (ii) understanding of basic financial concepts, (iii) excellent communication and writing skills, (iv) being a collaborative team player, but also possessing the ability to work independently and proactively to achieve the project’s goals.

Additional information

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Ania Zalewska on a.zalewska@le.ac.uk

We anticipate that interviews will take place on the second half of March 2025.

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying.  

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. 

Advert closes midnight on: 06 March 2025

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