Senior Research Fellow in Political Economy of UK Energy and Materials Policy

Hours: FTE 1.0/37.5 hours per week.  

Contract Type: Fixed term until 31 March 2029 

Expected Interview date: To Be Confirmed

Expected start date: January 2026

About the role

The Sussex Energy Group, within the Science Policy Research Unit at the University of Sussex Business School, are seeking to appoint a Senior Research Fellow in Political Economy to work with Professor Matthew Lockwood as part of the Production and Consumption Transformation (PACT) research centre jointly funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

This role involves leading research on the political economy, institutional, policy and regulatory challenges and opportunities for reducing material throughput and energy use in production and consumption in the UK, with a particular focus on housing and cars.

PACT will explore the alignment of the UK’s industrial strategy, and resource consumption policies with both short term and long-term climate targets. You will work directly with policy makers delivering actionable insights that can lead to real policy change; and with leading researchers across three Universities: Manchester, Leeds and Sussex.

About you

You will have a PhD (obtained at the time of the appointment) in political economy, political science, geography, economics, innovation studies, sustainability transitions or similar fields, relevant to the roles of political economy, policy, regulation and business models in resource and energy use in production, consumption or both (especially in housing and cars) or equivalent experience gained through non-academic experience

Have proven capacity to work independently and develop a research agenda and the analytical skills or experience necessary to apply existing concepts and theories about governance, institutions and policy in industry.

You should have strong knowledge and methods training, and experience, in qualitative techniques such as field research and interviewing, and data management and evidence of the ability to communicate effectively to academic, policy and non-academic audience.

About our Faculty

As a pioneering research-driven and interdisciplinary Faculty, the University of Sussex Business School offers an inspiring and supportive environment for impactful business and management research and scholarship. Our five dynamic Departments—Accounting and Finance, Strategy and Marketing, Management, Economics, and the renowned Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU)—are dedicated to advancing academic excellence and practical insights to inform policy and drive responsible business solutions.

With a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability, the School shapes the future of business education, producing research and scholarship and graduates that make a difference in the UK and globally. By joining us, you will be part of a distinctive, future-focused community influencing real-world practices and promoting sustainable development.

Please find further information regarding the University of Sussex Business School on our website.

Why work here

Find out more about our reward and benefits package.

Find out about our equality, diversity and inclusion.

Further Key Information

Please contact Matthew Lockwood (m.lockwood@sussex.ac.uk) for informal enquiries.

For full details and how to apply see our vacancies page.

The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed in the UK. 

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