Senior Researcher – Vulnerability, Climate Risk and Just Adaptation

Stockholm Environment Institute; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

A global non-profit research organization is seeking a highly experienced Senior Researcher to lead research on climate vulnerability and adaptation. This role involves influencing global policy, securing funding, and mentoring junior researchers. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in applied research, a strong publication record, and proven success in managing multi-partner projects. The position offers a salary of £47,000 to £61,000, with a start date as early as May 2026, and allows hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

33 days of holiday entitlement

Pension contributions

Sick pay

Subscription to mindfulness app

Bike to Work Scheme

Professional growth opportunities

Qualifications

• 10+ years of applied research in climate vulnerability and risk.
• Proven success in securing major funding from international sources.
• Experience leading multi-partner projects in climate-vulnerable contexts.

Responsibilities

• Lead major research programs on climate vulnerability.
• Drive funding strategies to expand research portfolios.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to a collaborative learning environment.

Skills

Climate Adaptation Expertise

Research and Analytical Capabilities

Excellent Writing Skills

Fluency in English

Education

PhD or equivalent in relevant field

Job description

SEI Oxford (Hybrid working options available, but minimum 2 days/week in person in the Oxford Centre)

Deadline: 7 January 2026

Salary range: GBP 47 000 to 61 000

Full time, initial two-year contract, extendable
Start Date: May 2026 or sooner

About SEI and SEI Oxford

SEI Oxford works to better understand and address intertwined climate, environment and sustainable development challenges around the world. To that end, we conduct innovative research; develop new tools, networks, and platforms; and work with an array of partners to help build capacities that are needed to address key issues. Our work seeks to be a catalyst for science-informed policymaking and decision-making.

Senior Researcher Role: Vulnerability, Climate Risk and Just Adaptation

SEI Oxford is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Researcher to take a leading role in shaping our work on climate vulnerability, risk and just adaptation. This is an opportunity for a senior professional with a strong research record and proven policy and fundraising success to influence global practice and policy.
You will lead research and innovation on climate vulnerability, risk and just adaptation, working closely with governments, local partners and international organizations. Your work will help strengthen the evidence base for inclusive, locally led adaptation and advance practical solutions that place people, justice and equity at the centre of climate action.

Key duties and responsibilities

In this senior position, you will drive high-impact research agendas, provide intellectual leadership, promote the use of knowledge to influence policy and practice, and play a central role in securing new funding to expand SEI’s portfolio. You will lead the development of competitive proposals for major funders and research funders, strengthen partnerships across least-developed countries (LDCs), and ensure SEI remains at the forefront of climate adaptation thought leadership.

Research activities:

• Lead the design, development and delivery of major research programs advancing understanding of climate vulnerability, risk and equitable adaptation.
• Lead high-quality research that results in high-impact publications, proposals, policy engagement and digital knowledge products.
• Shape and grow SEI’s and specifically SEI Oxford’s strategic research portfolio and contribute to thought leadership in key policy and academic arenas, driving new thinking on structural and systemic drivers of climate vulnerability and risk.
• Guide the development of research frameworks and tools that reflect the social, ecological and political complexity of climate adaptation.
• Expand SEI Oxford’s portfolio in research in low- and middle-income countries, Small Island Developing States, and other regions that should be the focus of adaptation action.

Organizational activities

• Expand SEI’s and SEI Oxford’s funding base by cultivating strong funder and partner relationships, identifying opportunities, and driving successful fundraising strategies to grow SEI’s and SEI Oxford’s project and funding portfolio.
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with research institutions, governments, UN bodies, non-governmental organizations and practitioners, particularly in climate-vulnerable countries, to translate evidence into policy and action.
• Contribute to the co-production of knowledge and capacity strengthening with partners and communities.
• Provide mentorship and supervision to junior researchers, and contribute to a supportive and collaborative learning environment within the centre.

Who you are

You have a strong track record of research excellence in climate adaptation, vulnerability and risk. You are experienced in managing large, competitive grants from major international funders and capable of conceptualizing, leading and delivering complex multi-partner projects. You have worked with diverse stakeholders, particularly in climate-vulnerable and LDC contexts, and you are committed to justice, equity and meaningful participation in climate decision-making. You bring strong communication, strategic thinking and leadership skills, and you can translate research into real-world impact for policy and practice.

Formal qualifications and knowledge:

Demonstrated track record (10+ years, not including a PhD) in applied research and analysis or practice related to vulnerability, climate risk or adaptation, e.g. human geography, development studies, international development, environmental science or a related field.

• Proven success in securing major research funding from international funders, foundations or research councils.
• Experience leading multi-partner or multi-country projects, ideally in climate-vulnerable or LDC contexts.
• Strong publication record in relevant academic or policy outlets.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex research for different audiences.

Required skills:

• Expertise in locally led adaptation.
• Research and analytical capabilities, with an ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Fluency in English.

Desired skills:

• Expertise in adaptation finance, adaptation monitoring and evaluation, risk governance, climate services or capacity development.
• Experience working on interdisciplinary knowledge platforms or digital knowledge systems.
• Familiarity with international climate policy processes, including UNFCCC mechanisms.
• Experience mentoring early-career researchers.

Our offer

At SEI, we offer a stimulating position in an international environment. You will be part of a leading multinational, multidisciplinary and multilingual team of experts in an organization where the well-being and development of our employees is a high priority.

Employment at SEI Oxford includes

• 33 days total of holiday entitlement, including bank holidays, with mandatory holidays on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day;
• Pension contributions: 5% from employee and 8% from SEI Oxford, with a voluntary top-up scheme allowing contributions up to 10% (matched up to 13% by SEI Oxford);
• Sick pay;
• Subscription to the Headspace mindfulness and meditation app;
• Access to the UK government’s Bike to Work Scheme, offering tax savings on purchases of bikes and cycling equipment;
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

How to apply

We are reviewing applications on an ongoing basis. Please submit your application as soon as possible, but no later than 7 January 2026 23:59 UK local time.

We only accept applications through our recruitment system; please apply online using the button below and submit the following in English:

• cover letter highlighting relevant qualifications and experience (two pages max.),
• links that illustrate your work on previous projects to show proven experience.

Interviews will start by mid-January, and we hope to be able to make an offer to the right candidate before the end of February; the preferred candidate should be available to start as soon as possible, preferably in May 2026 or earlier.

This is a temporary two-year full-time position and includes a standard six-month probation period. The role offers a salary ranging from GBP 47 000 to 61 000. The start date is by arrangement.

Where permitted by funders, candidates are welcome to bring existing UK, European or other research grants with them when they transition to the role at SEI Oxford.

SEI Oxford has a hybrid work environment, which allows employees to share their time between the SEI office and working remotely from their homes in the UK, with a mandatory requirement to be present at the office at least one day a week. SEI is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Please note that it is not possible to work from outside the UK.
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences and identities.

Questions?

Inquiries concerning the process for recruitment of the position can be directed to Andrew Fitzgibbon, SEI Oxford Centre Director: [emailprotected] . Inquiries concerning the substantive elements of the role can be directed to Sukaina Bharwani, Senior Research Fellow: [emailprotected] .

Inquiries concerning the recruitment process can be directed to Silvia Chapple, Centre Manager: [emailprotected] .

About SEI

Stockholm Environment Institute is an international non-profit research and policy organization that tackles environment and development challenges.

We connect science and decision-making to develop solutions for a sustainable future for all.

Our approach is highly collaborative: stakeholder involvement is at the heart of our efforts to build capacity, strengthen institutions, and equip partners for the long term.

Our work spans climate, water, air, and land-use issues, and integrates evidence and perspectives on governance, the economy, gender and human health.

Across our eight centres in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, we engage with policy processes, development action and business practice throughout the world.