Researcher in Law and Climate Change

The University of Oxford is seeking a full-time Researcher in Law and Climate Change for the Sustainable Law Programme. The role involves conducting interdisciplinary research on climate-related financial risks and legal interventions, contributing to publications, and collaborating with various stakeholders. Candidates should have degrees in law and environmental sciences, with relevant legal practice experience. The position is fixed term for 12 months and based in Oxford, UK.
The Oxford Sustainable Law Programme (SLP) is seeking a Researcher to contribute to its internationally recognised work at the intersection of climate science, law, and financial risk. Based jointly within the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment and the Faculty of Law, the SLP brings together legal and scientific expertise to advance evidence-based research that informs climate policy, business practice, and legal decision-making.


Working with Thom Wetzer and Rupert Stuart-Smith, you will contribute to research across the SLP's Climate Science & Law and Business Law workstreams. The role focuses on issues including climate-related financial risk, corporate climate obligations, climate litigation, mitigation pathways consistent with domestic and international law, and the evaluation of climate-related legal interventions.


You will undertake legal and interdisciplinary research, contribute to the development of new methodologies, coordinate complex research activities, support the preparation of publications and funding proposals, and work closely with colleagues across the University of Oxford and external partners. The role offers opportunities to contribute to high-impact research that informs legal, policy, and business responses to climate change.


We are seeking a candidate with degrees in law and interdisciplinary environmental sciences, together with experience in both private and public-sector legal practice. You will have expertise across areas including environmental law, international law, financial and regulatory law, tort law, and climate change, alongside experience contributing to peer-reviewed publications and interdisciplinary research. Strong organisational, analytical, and communication skills are essential.


This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to world-leading research addressing the legal dimensions of climate change and sustainability in collaboration with leading academics and practitioners.


This post is fixed term for 12 months from start date 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 (UK time) on 22 July 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, and candidates with disabilities, all of whom 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