Postdoctoral Research Associate - Biodiversity Finance

University of York - Leverhulme Centre for Anthropocene Biodiversity

Role Description

Research Centre & Department

The Leverhulme Centre for Anthropocene Biodiversity is a research centre of academics from a wide range of disciplines collaborating to increase knowledge of how the relationship between humanity and the natural world is changing, and how we might maintain and develop a sustainable Earth and bring about positive change. The position is linked to the Department of Environment and Geography, and will be line managed by Julia Touza (Environment & Geography) with mentorship from Colin Beale (Biology) and Jacco Thijssen (Mathematics).

Role

We are seeking an enthusiastic Postdoctoral Researcher in Biodiversity Finance. Advanced skills and knowledge of quantitative methods applied to conservation finance, environmental economics, mathematical finance, or related environmental disciplines are essential. The post holder will evaluate the performance of existing financial biodiversity-linked instruments, from the perspectives of investment, conservation and social outcomes; and investigate the potential for innovative, high-integrity biodiversity finance instruments, including climate bonds with biodiversity components that can deliver measurable nature contributions to people. The role involves working alongside stakeholders at financial institutions and indigenous and local communities (IPLC); including work closely with Campos Gerais National Park in Brazil for the delivery of biodiversity finance for IPLC.

Key Responsibilities include:

• To undertake world-leading individual and collaborative research to increase the development of innovative, efficient, transparent and equitable finance solutions for nature.
• To disseminate research findings through publications, seminar and conference presentations, and outreach activities.
• Facilitate Centre objectives through development of ongoing interdisciplinary research, and identification of possible new areas of research.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications needed

• Undergraduate degree and PhD (awarded or submitted) in an appropriate subject area such as environmental economics, finance, ecology, or a sustainability focused social science discipline.
• Knowledge of current nature finance mechanisms and a range of relevant research methodologies and expertise in an area which complements LCAB’s research goals.
• Ability to write up research for high profile publications and competency in presenting work at conferences/other appropriate events.
• Excellent communication skills with experience of engagement across disciplines and with non-academic audiences.
• Ability to develop research objectives, projects and proposals for own and joint research, as well as to identify sources of funding and contribute to securing these with the assistance of a mentor if required.
• Experience of and capacity to carry out independent and collaborative research.

Applicants are requested to provide a short outline (max. 1 page; font size 11) describing their proposed approach to one or more of the research goals. The focus of the work will be developed collaboratively on appointment.

Interview date: June 2026. The post must commence by 30th Sept 2026.

For informal enquiries: please contact julia.touza@york.ac.uk