GIF CDT: Sustainable Fiscal Policy for a Sustainable Climate

The University of Bath is offering a PhD position in Sustainable Fiscal Policy for a Sustainable Climate as part of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Green Industrial Futures. The research focuses on developing a fiscal policy strategy that aligns climate action with ongoing fiscal commitments in the UK. Candidates should have a First-class or 2:1 degree. The position involves residential courses, international opportunities, and work placements.
This advert will close once a suitable candidate has been found.

This PhD is one of a number of projects hosted by the Centre for Doctoral Training in Green Industrial Futures (CDT-GIF). We are offering pioneering research projects that will enable PhD researchers to explore key technologies and solutions that will support UK industry to reach net zero.

Project: While meeting net-zero targets and transitioning to a green industrial base have become a major policy objectives for the UK policymaking community, this must still be delivered in the context of the “business as usual” of the State in terms of ongoing fiscal commitments. In this research project, the student will look at the development of a sustainable climate action fiscal policy strategy that takes into account the need for urgent climate action, a just transition and balancing that against ongoing fiscal demands in health, social transfers, education and security. This work will combine an analysis of Climate and Environmentally Favourable & Unfavourable Revenue & Expenditure actions in the UK with monitoring the implementation of the OECD Paris Collaborative on Green Budgeting and a rights-based approach to a just transition. The objective is to take an all-of-government approach that balances fiscal policy for climate action against well-understood and unavoidable fiscal challenges of demographics and the poorly understood costs of climate change disasters and just transition. The output will be a fiscal policy development and evaluation framework that will assist in the articulation of the appropriate UK fiscal and monetary policy mix to meet stated national objectives for 2030 and 2050.

Supervisors: Dr Charles Larkin

CDT in Green Industrial Futures: The CDT is funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and is a partnership between Heriot Watt University, Imperial College London, and the Universities of Sheffield and Bath. The CDT is further supported by contributions from industrial partners. Bringing these leading universities together allows CDT-GIF students access to a wide range of academic expertise, resources and facilities.

The CDT-GIF has an exciting and challenging programme specifically designed for top performing junior researchers. Alongside the four-year research project, students will receive expert training and opportunities to contextualise their research within the wider net zero landscape, including:
• Residential taught courses at each of the partner universities in Years 1 and 2 that provide training in the systematic considerations for industry including: Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), technoeconomics, business models, policy & regulation, public engagement, plant operation.
• An international opportunity in Year 2 or 3 of the programme, including opportunities to visit a world-leading facility, conference or forum and explore the global context of industrial decarbonisation.
• A work placement with one of our industrial partners.
• A bespoke ‘net-zero leadership programme’, including regular exchanges with cohort members from the other universities, student-led activities, industry challenge sandpit, industrial site visits, and professional development opportunities.

Candidate requirements: As a minimum we require candidates to have a First-class or 2:1 Meng, MSc, or MA with merit (over 60%) in a relevant area i.e. Accounting, Economics, Finance, Public Policy, Economic Geography, Law and Constitutional History and Social Sciences. Applicants who have a First-class BSc/BEng (Hons) and can demonstrate significant relevant industry/research experience may also be considered.

Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills are required for this role. Knowledge of programming (R, Stata, Python) and experience with Tableau and/or Power BI is desirable.

Experience of working in roles related to public policy analysis, public finance, finance, accounting, and/or public law is desirable.

Non-native English speakers must ensure they meet the English language requirements.

Enquiries and applications. Informal enquiries regarding the research project can be directed to Sophia Coe sc3716@bath.ac.uk. Alternatively, if you have a question regarding the wider CDT-GIF programme, please contact cdtgreenindustrialfutures@hw.ac.uk.

Formal applications can be made here: https://greenindustrialfutures.site.hw.ac.uk/the-programme/how-to-apply/ Applications are open until filled so we would encourage early application.

The initial application involves an application form (including a short personal statement and CV). You may select up to two CDT-GIF projects. Applicants will then be selected to interview. If successful at interview, candidates will be asked to complete the application process for the home university.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We warmly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Our programme values diversity as a cornerstone of innovation and collaboration, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to thrive. The CDT-GIF are committed to ensuring flexibility throughout our programme to support student’s needs and personal circumstances, for example those with medical conditions, caring responsibilities and other considerations. For example, we are open to exploring part-time options if appropriate for the nature of the research.

Keywords: Fiscal Policy, Climate Budget