Research Associate in Climate Science, Law and Policy

Location:

This role is hybrid (South Kensington campus/home)

About the role:

Are you interested in working at the interface of climate science and law, and motivated to advance interdisciplinary research that supports robust, science-based legal decision-making? Join a new interdisciplinary research initiative, contributing to cutting-edge work on climate litigation, mitigation ambition, and the scientific foundations of effective climate action.

What you would be doing:

In this role, you will conduct interdisciplinary research at the interface of climate science and law, with a particular focus on how legal norms related to mitigation ambition—such as the “highest possible ambition” principle and best-effort obligations—can be operationalised in practice. As part of this work, you will assess the quantitative evidence base that can inform these questions, including the scientific evidence relevant to mitigation pathways and climate action. You will collaborate with international and interdisciplinary research teams, analyse how scientific evidence informs climate-related legal decision-making, and contribute to advancing the scientific foundations of climate litigation and policy. Your work will include publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals and helping to shape a longer-term research agenda at the science–law interface.

What we are looking for:

We are looking for a motivated and collaborative researcher with a strong interest in interdisciplinary work at the interface of climate science, law, and policy.

• A PhD (or close to completion) in climate science, environmental science, energy systems modelling, international law, or a closely related field.
• Experience working in interdisciplinary research environments, particularly at the science–law or science–policy interface, and a clear interest in expanding into new interdisciplinary domains and exploring emerging areas of research.
• The ability to review and synthesise complex scientific, policy and/or legal literature and develop new concepts that integrate insights across disciplines.
• Knowledge of international climate policy and an interest in the role of scientific evidence in climate-related legal and policy decision-making.
• Strong analytical skills, including experience with quantitative analysis or modelling relevant to climate or energy systems research.
• A strong track record, or clear potential, for publishing research in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present research clearly to academic, policy, and interdisciplinary audiences.

What we can offer you:

• Collaboration with leading researchers and institutions, including colleagues at Imperial College London and partners at the Oxford Sustainable Law Programme and the London School of Economics and Political Science.
• Strong support for career development, including access to researcher development programmes and opportunities to grow within a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative academic environment.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further Information

The position is available to start as soon as possible for the successful candidate.

The successful candidate will be based at the Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment and will join the Climate Science and Policy research group led by Prof. Joeri Rogelj.

This is a full-time post for a fixed-term contract for 24 months.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact:

Professor Joeri ROGELJ – j.rogelj@imperial.ac.uk with “[Query CSLI PDRA]” in the email subject.

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