Oxford EARTH Senior Research Associate in the Equitable and Sustainable Development of Natural Resou

University of Oxford; England; On-site; GBP 49,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in England is seeking a Senior Research Associate to conduct social science research on natural resource development impacts. This fixed-term role offers collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and potential contributions to teaching. Applicants should have a strong background in social science and a passion for resource management. A comprehensive benefits package is included.

Benefits

Excellent contributory pension scheme

38 days of annual leave

Comprehensive range of childcare services

Family leave schemes

Cycle loan scheme

Discounted bus travel

Qualifications

• Track record of research in resource management and innovation.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Experience in disseminating research to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Conduct social science research on inequalities and environmental impacts of natural resource development.
• Engage with interdisciplinary teams across SoGE and Oxford EARTH partners.
• Contribute to teaching and demonstrations on relevant natural resource topics.

Skills

Social science research

Resource management

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Disciplinary background in social science

Job description

Overview

The School of Geography and the Environment (SoGE) invites applications for a Senior Research Associate in the Equitable and Sustainable Development of Natural Resources. The post will commence on 5 January 2026 (or later by mutual agreement) and is offered for five years. This position is one of four new Senior Research Associate roles created as part of Oxford EARTH (Equitable Access to Sustainable Resources for a Thriving Habitat). The role will be based in SoGE, with the other three posts spanning Chemistry, Materials, Engineering, and Earth Sciences. Oxford EARTH works in close partnership with Oxford’s major strategic research programmes, including Oxford Net Zero, the Zero Institute, and Sustainable Chemistry.

Role and focus

The successful candidate will undertake social science research on the inequalities and environmental impacts of natural resource development, with the aim of advancing more equitable and sustainable approaches to meeting the needs of the global energy transition. The post welcomes applications from researchers working in the broad field of natural resource management, including (but not limited to):

• Economic geography
• Economics and policy of resource management
• Circular economy
• Natural resource law
• Mineral resource-driven economic development

We particularly encourage applications from candidates at the forefront of resource management and innovation, with expertise in areas such as:

• Natural resource business models
• Sustainable supply chains
• Revenue management
• Community rights and development

The successful applicant will also have the opportunity to engage in collaborative, interdisciplinary research with colleagues in the physical sciences, and may contribute to teaching and demonstrations on relevant natural resource topics.

Responsibilities

• Conduct social science research on inequalities and environmental impacts of natural resource development.
• Engage with interdisciplinary teams across SoGE and Oxford EARTH partners.
• Contribute to teaching and demonstrations on relevant natural resource topics as appropriate.
• Collaborate on research proposals, project management, and dissemination of findings to academic and policy audiences.

Qualifications and requirements

• Disciplinary background in social science related to natural resources, with a track record of research in resource management and innovation.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment and collaborate with colleagues in physical sciences and other domains.
• Strong communication skills and experience in disseminating research to diverse audiences.

What We Offer

The University of Oxford offers a comprehensive benefits package. The following items are representative, and not necessarily exhaustive:

• Excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days of 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, a 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 and why you would like to undertake this role. See guidance at https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/cv-and-supporting-statement.

For informal discussions about the role, please contact Dr Caitlin McElroy, Professor Rick van der Ploeg, or Dr Thom Wetzer. All enquiries will be treated in confidence and will not form part of the selection process.

Important dates

This post is fixed-term for 5 years and offered on a full-time basis.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on 20 October 2025 (UK time). Only applications submitted by this time will be considered.

Equal Opportunity

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 SoGE. The School is committed to equality and values diversity.

Contact

HR Officer
Vacancy ID: 181583
Contact Email: [e-mail]
Pay Scale: RESEARCH GRADE 8
Salary (£): 49119 - 55031