Senior Research Associate in Zero Carbon Energy Use at the ZERO Institute

Senior Research Associate in Zero Carbon Energy Use at the ZERO Institute

Smith School of Enterprise, School of Geography and the Environment, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY

Join the ZERO Institute at the University of Oxford and help shape the global transition to a just and equitable zero-carbon energy future. Bringing together expertise across disciplines, the ZERO Institute is at the forefront of research addressing one of the defining challenges of our time: transforming how energy is produced, used, and governed.

We are seeking a Senior Research Associate to develop and lead a programme of research on low-carbon energy use, with a focus on energy demand, affordability, and resilience in the context of climate and energy transitions. Working closely with Associate Professor Radhika Khosla, you will shape the direction and global reach of this research, with particular emphasis on policy-relevant work in the Global South.

This is a leadership-oriented research role combining academic excellence with real-world impact. You will design and deliver innovative research, publish in leading journals, secure funding, and build international collaborations. You will also play a central role in strengthening the ZERO Institute’s policy engagement, working directly with policymakers and stakeholders to translate research into actionable insights and influence energy transitions at national and global scales.

We are looking for a researcher with a strong publication record, experience in mixed-methods research, and a track record of policy engagement and research funding. You will bring expertise in energy and climate policy, economic or interdisciplinary approaches to energy systems, and the ability to lead projects and collaborate across diverse teams and international contexts.

This is an opportunity to play a leading role in advancing impactful research at the intersection of energy, policy, and society, contributing to a global transition towards zero-carbon energy systems.

This post is fixed term until 31 July 2028 and offered on a full time basis (1 FTE / 37.5 hours).

What We Offer
As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ well-being, and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:
• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans.

Application Process
You will be required to upload a covering letter with a supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application. In your supporting statement, please explain how you meet each of the selection criteria found in the job description, and why you would like to do this role. See guidance at https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/cv-and-supporting-statement.

Any technical questions related to this vacancy can be sent to: recruit@ouce.ox.ac.uk

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on 10 June 2026. Only applications submitted by this time will be considered.

The University of Oxford and The School of Geography and the Environment are Silver Athena SWAN holders. Applications are particularly welcome and encouraged from women, black, and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in posts in The School of Geography and the Environment. The School of Geography and the Environment are committed to equality and values diversity

Pay Scale: RESEARCH GRADE 8
Salary: £49119 - 58265
Vacancy ID: 186486

Click on the link(s) below to view documents:
186486 - ZERO Senior Research Associate Job Description and Person Spec (557.5 KB)