The Sussex Energy Group, within the Science Policy Research Unit at the University of Sussex Business School, are seeking to appoint a Senior Research Fellow in Circular Economy/Material and Energy Use to work with Professor Matthew Lockwood as part of the new Production and Consumption Transformation (PACT) research centre jointly funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
This role involves leading research on the institutional, political economy, policy and regulatory challenges and opportunities for reducing material throughput and energy use in production through circular economy or other strategies in selected industries (e.g., automotive manufacturing and construction).
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.
You should have a PhD (obtained at the time of the appointment) in geography, economics, political science, innovation studies, sustainability transitions or similar fields, relevant to the roles of political economy, policy, regulation and business models in circular economy or the reduction of materials and energy in production, or equivalent experience gained through non-academic experience. With a proven capacity to work independently and develop a research agenda will also have the analytical skills or experience necessary to apply existing concepts and theories about governance, institutions and policy in industry.
Strong knowledge and methods training, and experience, in qualitative techniques such as field research and interviewing, and data management are essential and you should have evidence of the ability to communicate effectively to academic, policy and non-academic audiences.
This role will commence in January 2026