Research Associate: PACT Centre

Overview of the role

Lancaster University is seeking to appoint a Research Associate to work within a new research centre, Production and Consumption Transformations (PACT). This is a full or part-time position funded for 25 months (assuming full-time, longer if part-time). We would like to have someone in post by early 2026. This role would suit a researcher at an early stage of their career, wishing to develop research and project experience.

PACT is a new research centre jointly funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). This role involves undertaking research on effective policies to meet climate goals, with a particular focus on institutional decision-making and public engagement. Overall, PACT will explore the alignment of the UK’s industrial strategy, and resource consumption policies with both short term and long-term climate targets. With DESNZ funding 35% of the project, you will work directly with policy makers delivering actionable insights that can lead to real policy change; and with leading researchers across three Universities, Lancaster, Leeds and Sussex.

About you

A PhD is not a formal requirement for this role – we would welcome someone with equivalent research experience gained in different settings. We welcome applications from people who have academic or other research experience in the following areas:

• Research into, or experience of, decision-making cultures, processes and structures within government;
• Social research examining people’s views, values and attitudes toward climate and energy policies and practices.

Why work with us

You will be based at Lancaster University, joining the vibrant Climate Citizens research group—a hub of expertise in energy and climate governance. They will also be part of the wider Human Geographies Research Group within Lancaster Environment Centre and a broader community of researchers across the three universities comprising PACT – Lancaster, Leeds and Sussex, as well as policy analysts at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).  

Lancaster is a research-intensive university. REF 2021 rated 99% of Lancaster's overall research environment as 4* 'world leading' or 3* 'internationally excellent'.  Lancaster University provides an environment that strongly supports the needs of each employee, promoting a healthy work-life balance. Find out about more of our employee benefits and life at Lancaster on our website - https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/jobs 

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Prof Rebecca Willis (r.willis@lancaster.ac.uk).