Research Associate (Fixed Term)

The Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER) invites applications for a Research Associate interested in understanding environmental issues related to catastrophic risk, particularly analysing their global effects and designing interventions to improve planetary health. This role would suit someone with a PhD in a technical field, who is developing their research agenda and interested in exploring the connection between their specialism and extreme global risks.

CSER is part of the Institute for Technology and Humanity (ITH), which supports world-leading research and teaching that investigates and shapes technological transformations and the opportunities and challenges they pose for our societies, our environment and our world. The highly interdisciplinary team works on topics ranging from pandemics to climate change, engaging with policymakers at the national and international level.

The post is funded by the Grantham Foundation for the Protection of the Environment. There is a body of previous research and advocacy work at CSER related to global systemic and environmental risk, which can be found here: https://www.cser.ac.uk/work/?project[]=global-systemic-and-environmental-risk&project[]=global-systemic-risk.

The role is fixed term with funding available until 30 September 2028, we welcome applications who wish to be considered for full or part time hours. 

Key activities associated with the role include:

• Independent research to be published as papers, reports, and other more innovative forms of outputs.
• Organise, participate in, and speak at workshops, seminar series, lectures and conferences relevant to the research.
• Development of a research agenda that stretches beyond their specialist interests.

Applicants must have:

• A PhD in a relevant technical field (including but not limited to economics, physical sciences, environmental science, anthropology, engineering, climate science).
• A demonstrable research interest in analysing global effects of environmental issues.
• Enthusiasm for joining an interdisciplinary team to work on impact-driven research.

For further information on the role and for instructions on how to apply, please see the Further Information document that is available on the right-hand side of this advertisement.

Informal enquiries about the role are welcomed and should be directed to the CSER Deputy Director on recruitment@cser.cam.ac.uk. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the School's HR Team on sahhr@admin.cam.ac.uk.

The closing date for applications is midnight (BST) on Sunday 09 August 2026. Interviews are planned to take place at the beginning of September 2026, subject to change.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click 'Apply' above.

Please quote reference GO49966 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.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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