Senior Research Associate in Climate Policy and Justice

The role

We are seeking a Senior Research Associate to join the University of Bristol’s School for Policy Studies as part of the international ACCLIMATE project – Accelerating Climate Action: Navigating Towards a Low-Emissions, Climate-Resilient Future. Funded by Horizon Europe, ACCLIMATE brings together leading institutions from across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas to advance fair and effective climate strategies aligned with the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals. 

You will support Work Package 2, which focuses on evaluating the adequacy, feasibility, and fairness of national climate commitments and policies. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to high-impact research and influence international climate policy through collaboration with interdisciplinary teams of political scientists, economists, engineers, legal scholars, and modellers. 

What will you be doing?

You will be working closely with Professor Chukwumerije Okereke and the wider ACCLIMATE consortium, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams of political scientists, economists, legal scholars, engineers, and modellers. Your contributions will support the production of high-impact research outputs, including academic publications, policy briefs, and reports for the European Commission. You’ll also have opportunities to present findings at international conferences and stakeholder workshops. 

In addition to research, your role will involve supporting project coordination, organising consultations, and ensuring compliance with research governance and data management standards. 

This is an exciting opportunity to join a cutting-edge project that’s helping shape the next generation of climate-resilient pathways and policy strategies. Remote working within the UK will be considered. 

You should apply if

• You have a relevant postgraduate research degree or equivalent professional experience in political science, public policy, environmental governance, or a related discipline.  
• You bring strong experience in climate policy, climate justice, or sustainability transitions.  
• You are confident in qualitative research methods and policy analysis.  
• You are passionate about contributing to socially just climate solutions and working in interdisciplinary, international teams.  
• You have excellent communication skills and a track record of producing high-quality research outputs.  
• You are motivated to engage with policymakers and stakeholders to shape real-world climate action. 

Additional information

For informal queries about the role please contact: Professor Chukwumerije Okereke - Email: C.Okereke@bristol.ac.uk

Contract type: Open Ended with Fixed Funding for 12 months.

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Tuesday 18th November 2025

Interviews will be scheduled within  week commencing Monday 1st December 2025

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

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