University of Cambridge
Research Associate (Fixed Term)
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Research Associate Opportunity at CSER
The Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER) invites applications for a Research Associate interested in understanding environmental issues related to catastrophic risk, particularly analysing their global effects and designing interventions to improve planetary health. This role would suit someone with a PhD in a technical field, who is developing their research agenda and interested in exploring the connection between their specialism and extreme global risks.
About CSER
CSER is part of the Institute for Technology and Humanity (ITH), which supports world-leading research and teaching that investigates and shapes technological transformations and the opportunities and challenges they pose for our societies, our environment, and our world. The highly interdisciplinary team works on topics ranging from pandemics to climate change, engaging with policymakers at the national and international level.
Funding and Research
The post is funded by the Grantham Foundation for the Protection of the Environment. There is a body of previous research and advocacy work at CSER related to global systemic and environmental risk, which can be found here: https://www.cser.ac.uk/work/?project[]=global-systemic-and-environmental-risk&project[]=global-systemic-risk.
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Role Details
The role is fixed term with funding available until 30 September 2028, and we welcome applications who wish to be considered for full or part-time hours.
Key Activities
- Independent research to be published as papers, reports, and other innovative forms of outputs.
- Organise, participate in, and speak at workshops, seminar series, lectures, and conferences relevant to the research.
- Development of a research agenda that stretches beyond their specialist interests.
Applicants Must Have
- A PhD in a relevant technical field (including but not limited to economics, physical sciences, environmental science, anthropology, engineering, climate science).
- A demonstrable research interest in analysing global effects of environmental issues.
- Enthusiasm for joining an interdisciplinary team to work on impact-driven research.
Application Instructions
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For further information on the role and instructions on how to apply, please see the Further Information document available on the right-hand side of this advertisement.
Enquiries
Informal enquiries about the role are welcomed and should be directed to the CSER Deputy Director on recruitment@cser.cam.ac.uk. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the School's HR Team on sahhr@admin.cam.ac.uk.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is midnight (BST) on Sunday 09 August 2026. Interviews are planned to take place at the beginning of September 2026, subject to change.
How to Apply
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please quote reference GO49966 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
The University actively supports equality, diversity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
Eligibility
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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