At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct impactful research on sustainability governance of forest-risk commodities.
- Company: Join the University of Bath's innovative research team led by Dr. Yixian Sun.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous annual leave, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth and support for under-represented groups.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in environmental governance while collaborating internationally.
- Qualifications: PhD in social sciences with strong research interest in environmental politics.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 46049 € per year.
We are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (full-time) to join Dr. Yixian Sun’s new research project on sustainability governance of forest-risk commodities in key consumer and producer countries (AnDforFRCs).
About the role
This innovative project is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s Forest Governance, Market and Climate Programme (FGMC). Partner institutions include Universitas Gadjah Mada (Indonesia), University of Victoria (Canada), University of British Columbia (Canada), University of Freiburg (Germany), University of International Business and Economics (China), and National University of Singapore (Singapore).
The successful applicant will be responsible for conducting research, in close collaboration with partners at UIBE and UBC, on China’s governance in three forest-risk commodity sectors (natural rubber, palm oil and mining) and support a range of stakeholder engagement activities. This is an exciting opportunity to produce highly impactful research for researchers with a strong interest in environmental governance and sustainable development.
You will join Dr. Sun’s team based in the Department of Social and Policy Science at the University of Bath and engage with researchers at the Bath Centre for Earth System Research Governance. You will have the opportunity to develop cutting-edge research using mixed methods on forest-risk commodity governance:
- Initiatives seeking to govern sustainability impacts of China’s commodity trade and investment
- Interrelationships between various governance initiatives in China and the political economy dynamics in the existing governance landscape
- Future scenarios of forest-risk commodity policies and governance in China based on views gathered from related stakeholders
Our ideal candidate will:
- Hold a PhD degree in a relevant social science subject area such as International Relations, Political Science, Development Studies, Environmental Studies, and Public Policy.
- Have a strong research interest in environmental politics and governance and China’s role in global environmental governance.
- Possess good qualitative and/or quantitative skills.
- Have conducted research in China and/or collaborated with Chinese universities and industry stakeholders.
- Offer excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
- Be self-motivated.
- Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage with a range of audiences and stakeholders.
Additional information
As a member of the Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged and expected to take up to a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year. This role is offered on a full time (36.5 hours per week) fixed term basis to start as soon as possible. The contract will end in March 2027, but can be renewed subject to funding availability.
We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equity and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.
What we can offer you
We’re continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:
- Free counselling services through Health Assured
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym
- Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
- Staff discount on language courses
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
- A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
- Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
- Local discounts and more
- A family-friendly workplace
- An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
- Relocation allowance
- Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses
Closing Date: 25 May 2026
Department: Education & Research
Salary: £38,784 to £46,049
Research Associate (ED13634) - Bath, BA2 7AY employer: University of Bath
The University of Bath is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that celebrates diversity and promotes professional growth. As a Research Associate, you will benefit from generous annual leave, extensive professional development opportunities, and a supportive environment that values your contributions to impactful research on sustainability governance. Located in the picturesque city of Bath, you will enjoy a family-friendly workplace with access to local discounts and wellness initiatives, making it an ideal setting for meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate (ED13634) - Bath, BA2 7AY
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of Bath, especially those in Dr. Sun’s team or related departments. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the project details. Familiarise yourself with sustainability governance and China’s role in it. Show us you’re not just interested but passionate about making an impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to engage with various stakeholders, so being able to articulate your thoughts clearly is key. Try mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate (ED13634) - Bath, BA2 7AY
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Research Associate role. Highlight your relevant experience in environmental governance and any research you've done in China. We want to see how you fit into our project!
Show Off Your Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your qualitative and quantitative skills! Whether it’s through past research or specific projects, let us know how you can contribute to our team’s success.
Engage with Our Values:We value diversity and inclusion, so make sure to reflect this in your application. Share any experiences that demonstrate your commitment to these values, especially if you’ve worked with under-represented groups.
Apply Through Our Website:For a smooth application process, be sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bath
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in Dr. Yixian Sun’s research project and the specifics of sustainability governance in forest-risk commodities. Familiarise yourself with the key consumer and producer countries involved, as well as the role of China in this context. This will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Highlight your qualitative and quantitative research skills, especially if you have experience conducting research in China or collaborating with Chinese institutions. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on that demonstrate your analytical and problem-solving abilities, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves stakeholder engagement, prepare examples of how you’ve successfully communicated and collaborated with diverse audiences in the past. Think about any challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this will illustrate your interpersonal skills and adaptability.
✨Embrace Diversity
The University of Bath values diversity and inclusion, so be prepared to discuss how your unique background and experiences can contribute to a positive work environment. Reflect on how you can support the university's commitment to gender equity and intersectionality, and be ready to share your thoughts on fostering an inclusive research culture.
