Research Assistant/Associate in Sustainable Finance

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

Salary
Research Assistant - £33,951 to £35,608.
Research Associate - £36,636 to £46,049.

The Role
We are seeking to appoint a Research Assistant or Research Associate to work on the INSURE (Innovative sustainable finance mechanisms for a net zero, regenerative and equitable future) project, funded by Newcastle City Council and based at Newcastle University Business School.

INSURE is an interdisciplinary, policy-oriented research project that aims to support Newcastle City Council’s Net Zero 2030 Action Plan and emerging climate adaptation strategy. The project focuses on identifying and developing innovative sustainable finance mechanisms that can mobilise investment for local climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives. These include instruments such as green municipal bonds, blended finance models, community investment mechanisms, and new public-private finance structures.

Working closely with the Principal Investigator, Dr Iftekhar Ahmed, the successful candidate will contribute to applied research on sustainable finance, climate risk, and urban investment strategies, with a strong emphasis on policy relevance and stakeholder engagement. The project involves collaboration with local government, policymakers, financial institutions, and regional stakeholders, aiming to generate actionable insights and practical tools for financing local climate action.

The role will involve quantitative economic and financial analysis, literature and policy review, case study research, stakeholder engagement activities, and the development of research outputs including reports, policy briefs, and academic publications.

This position provides an excellent opportunity for an early-career researcher interested in sustainable finance, climate economics, and policy-relevant research, and who is keen to contribute to research with direct societal and policy impact.

This is a full-time, fixed-term post until 1st October 2026 in the first instance, with the possibility of extension subject to further funding. We are seeking a candidate who can start as soon as possible.

For informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Dr Iftekhar Ahmed (iftekhar.ahmed@newcastle.ac.uk).

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of Research Innovation Role Profiles.pdf. These profiles set out firstly the generic competencies and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and, secondly, the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

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