Postdoctoral Research Associate in Innovative Financing for Nature

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in the UK seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead research on innovative financing for nature. This role will work at the intersection of conservation and finance, collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure inclusive practices. Ideal candidates will have a PhD, experience in research, and a passion for innovative solutions in conservation efforts. The position is full-time with a fixed term until December 2027.

Benefits

Excellent pension scheme

38 days annual leave

Comprehensive childcare services

Family leave schemes

Cycle loan scheme

Discounted bus travel

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in financing mechanisms for conservation.
• Ability to publish academic outputs.
• Experience in mentorship and support for junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct research on innovative financing for nature.
• Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to ensure equity and inclusion.
• Publish academic outputs and generate practical insights.
• Mentor and supervise junior colleagues.
• Test new financing mechanisms for conservation.

Skills

Research in innovative financing

Collaboration with stakeholders

Mentorship and supervision

Education

PhD in relevant field

Job description

Overview

Environment Change Institute, School of Geography and the Environment, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY. We are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Innovative Financing for Nature to help shape how innovative financing mechanisms can unlock large-scale nature recovery in Africa and beyond. This role offers the chance to combine cutting-edge research with real-world impact, working at the intersection of conservation, finance, and policy. Based at the Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery, and working closely with Natural State, a non-profit organisation headquartered in Kenya, you will explore and test new ways to mobilise finance for conservation and restoration. Areas of focus may include outcomes-based finance such as impact bonds, carbon-biodiversity credits, blended finance structures, and the design of decision-support tools for conservation investment. You will collaborate with governments, development financiers, market participants and local communities, ensuring that equity and inclusion are at the centre of the work. The research you lead will generate both academic outputs and practical insights, helping to build confidence and trust in innovative finance solutions for nature. As part of a vibrant and interdisciplinary team, you will also support and mentor junior colleagues, including research assistants, PhD students and project volunteers. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to world-leading research while shaping bold, practical solutions for people and planet. This post is fixed-term until 1 December 2027 and is offered on a full-time basis (37.5 hours). Reduced hours may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct research on innovative financing for nature, focusing on unlocking finance for conservation and restoration.
• Collaborate with governments, development financiers, market participants and local communities to ensure equity and inclusion are central to the work.
• Publish academic outputs and generate practical insights to build confidence and trust in innovative finance solutions for nature.
• Mentor and supervise junior colleagues, including research assistants, PhD students and project volunteers.
• Work at the Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery and with Natural State to test new financing mechanisms such as outcomes-based finance, carbon-biodiversity credits, and blended finance structures.

What We Offer

• 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