Research Associate (Green Finance - Land Use for Net Zero)

The University of Leicester is hiring a Research Associate for a project on green finance and land use aimed at achieving net-zero goals. The role involves data collection, research methodology design, and writing academic papers. Candidates should have a PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant field, with skills in data analysis, financial concepts, and strong communication. The position is available full-time or part-time for a fixed term of twelve months.
Vacancy ID: 11320

Location: Leicester

Department: Accounting and Finance

Vacancy terms: Full-time, part-time or job share, fixed term contract for twelve months. Subject to funding, an appointment on a part-time basis may result in a longer contract being possible.

Salary details: Grade 7 - £39,355 to £45,413 per annum, pro rata if part-time

Advert closes midnight on: 06 Mar 2025

About the role

We are seeking an ambitious postdoctoral social science researcher to support the delivery of a new transdisciplinary research project that aims to assess the effectiveness and challenges of green/nature financing in the UK. This may include attitudes of institutional investors towards green/nature investing, adaptation of the biodiversity gain programme, carbon and nature markets.

The successful candidate will play a key role in collecting and analysing research data, helping with designing research methodology, writing academic papers and policy reports. The post holder will also support the project PI in all aspects of project and contribute to engagement with collaborators and the research team.

We value professional development and will support the successful candidate in expanding their expertise and enhancing their academic profile. The work will directly contribute to the University of Leicester’s mission of driving impactful research and fostering a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and collaboration.

Green finance is crucial to unlock sustainable solutions that balance economic growth with environmental preservation. Understanding the strengths and shortcomings of the current funding solutions that drive conservation, restoration, and biodiversity protection, is important to redesign them to attract private and public investment needed to finance the green transformation. As climate change and ecosystem degradation accelerate, it is important to ensures that capital flows toward projects that safeguard our planet while generating long-term economic and social benefits, and a more resilient world.

With this aim, the Land for the Net Zero (LUNZ) Hub in co-operation with the Centre for Finance, Governance and Sustainable Growth (FGSG) at the University of Leicester join forces to develop research that will deliver research-based evidence to support policy makers and businesses.

The LUNZ Hub is co-funded by UKRI, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (on behalf of England and Wales), the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and the Scottish Government. It has been co-designed with Defra and the Welsh and Scottish governments, and co-led by the University of Leicester and the James-Hutton-Institute. The FGSG is a newly established research centre at the University of Leicester School of Business.

About you

This post would suit a researcher with a PhD in a relevant subject area or equivalent qualification in a relevant field, and demonstrate proven experience in delivering high-quality policy-driven research. Essential skills to the role are (i) expertise in analytical techniques and data analysis, (ii) understanding of basic financial concepts, (iii) excellent communication and writing skills, (iv) being a collaborative team player, but also possessing the ability to work independently and proactively to achieve the project’s goals.

Additional information

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Ania Zalewska on a.zalewska@le.ac.uk

We anticipate that interviews will take place on the second half of March 2025.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.