Post Doctoral Research Associate in the Economics of Technological Change

University-of-Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

38 days annual leave

Childcare services

Family leave schemes

Discounted bus travel

Job summary

University of Oxford invites applications for a Post Doctoral Research Associate in the Economics of Technological Change based in the Smith School, Oxford. The role contributes to the Oxford Martin Programme on Forecasting Technological Change, led by eminent scholars, and focuses on net zero, AI, and diffusion dynamics.

You will work across INET's Complexity Economics group and collaborate with interdisciplinary partners.

Qualifications

• PhD or near completion in a relevant discipline.
• Strong quantitative and statistical skills with research experience.
• Programming experience and ability to apply methodologies to large datasets.
• Understanding of economics of innovation, net-zero technologies and AI.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of peer‑reviewed publications.
• Develop and apply research methodologies to quantitative data.
• Analyse complex datasets and contribute to research proposals.
• Coordinate and supervise a small team of research assistants and collaborate across disciplines.

Skills

Quantitative skills

Statistical methods

Programming experience

Complex systems science

Forecasting techniques

Economics of innovation

Net zero technologies

Artificial intelligence

Experience with large language models

Education

PhD / DPhil in a relevant discipline

Tools

Large language models

Job description

Post Doctoral Research Associate in the Economics of Technological Change

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

The University of Oxford is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to the Oxford Martin Programme on Forecasting Technological Change. Led by Dr François Lafond, Professor J. Doyne Farmer and Professor Max Roser, the programme aims to improve understanding of how technologies develop, diffuse and evolve, with a particular focus on the net zero transition and artificial intelligence.

Working within the Complexity Economics research group at the Institute for New Economic Thinking (INET), you will contribute to the development of a comprehensive database on technological progress and undertake quantitative research examining the drivers of technological change. The research will explore how technological characteristics influence innovation and diffusion, whether rates of technological progress can be predicted, and how declining costs and increasing adoption interact.

The role combines independent research, quantitative analysis and research project management. You will lead the preparation of peer-reviewed publications, develop and apply research methodologies, analyse complex datasets, and contribute to research proposals and funding applications. You will also coordinate and supervise a small team of part‑time research assistants and collaborate with researchers across disciplines and partner institutions.

We are seeking a candidate who holds a PhD/DPhilor be close to completionin a relevant discipline, with strong quantitative and statistical skills, programming experience, and knowledge of complex systems science and/or advanced forecasting techniques. You should have an understanding of the economics of innovation, net zero technologies and/or artificial intelligence, including experience with sophisticated applications of large language models. Previous contributions to publications in leading academic journals, excellent communication skills and the ability to manage research activities are essential.

The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research environment as both a member of INET’s Complexity Economics research group and an Oxford Martin Fellow, with opportunities to contribute to research on the future of technological development.

This position offers an opportunity to advance quantitative research on technological change and contribute to new approaches for forecasting developments in clean technologies and artificial intelligence.

This post is offered on a full time, fixed-term basis for 2 years from start date.

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:

• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon (UK time) on 27 November 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