At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research on climate law and economics for adaptation strategies.
- Company: University of Essex, committed to sustainability and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Fully funded master's and PhD, £10,000 research allowance, and living stipend.
- Other info: Join a supportive community with networking opportunities and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in climate change adaptation while gaining valuable research experience.
- Qualifications: Degree in law; passion for environmental issues and interdisciplinary research.
The predicted salary is between 21805 - 21805 £ per year.
This is an opportunity for a person from an underrepresented group to undertake a fully funded master’s degree followed by a fully funded interdisciplinary PhD research degree under the ‘Sustainable Transitions – Leverhulme Doctoral Training Programme’ at the University of Essex. Only UK domiciled applicants who meet the following criteria may apply:
- Not already have a master’s degree
- Be from a low-income household background as evidenced by, for example, being in receipt of a full maintenance loan or Special Support loan during their undergraduate studies.
- Be one of the following categories of ethnicity:
- Black African
- Black Caribbean
- Black Other
- Mixed – White and Black Caribbean
- Mixed – White and Black African
- Other mixed background (including Black African, Black Caribbean and Black Other)
The successful applicant would study an appropriate master’s degree, such as LLM Law. The subsequent PhD project would focus on the relationship between legal and economic interventions concerning climate change adaptation. Owing to the recognition that many countries and communities are needing to adapt rapidly to climate related events such as storms, flooding, sea-level rise, desertification, drought and crop failure there is now much greater pressure for legal and policy interventions. Many countries have framework laws that provide for adaptation but there are significant gaps in areas relating to financing, investment and infrastructure development. This means that there is an urgent need for more research relating to the law and policy that would contribute to effective climate change mitigation in that space. This project would undertake analysis in this field to contribute to the provision of practical and effective solutions.
The interdisciplinarity of this project lies at researching the interface between the development of law that is required to respond adequately to climate change adaptation and the economic requirement to invest in appropriate responses. This means that the project will involve legal analysis combined with analysis of a variety of different types of adaptation mechanisms such as investment, financial and governance strategies that can be employed, but which require legal frameworks to function effectively.
You will receive support through the Sustainable Transitions training program, which offers interdisciplinary research methods, secondary discipline training, and ongoing development. Doctoral scholars also have access to £2,500 through Proficio for training courses and £10,000 for research and additional training. You may audit relevant courses and will be supported by both the Sustainable Transitions management and your supervisory team. Additionally, all scholars join the University of Essex’s ‘Centre for Environment and Society,’ providing events and networking opportunities.
This opportunity would suit a candidate with a degree/ background in law and the successful candidate will be expected to develop their knowledge of international environmental law. It is not necessary for the candidate to have prior training in development studies, government, business or economics as any relevant training will be provided on the programme.
The project area is broadly defined, leaving scope for the applicant to develop their own specific research proposal as part of the application. The successful candidate will further develop their proposal in close consultation with the supervisory team.
Funding Details:
- Home tuition fee waiver.
- A research allowance of £10,000 (in total) to be spent on authorised research costs, for example supplies and equipment, fieldwork etc.
- Closing Date: 11:59 pm BST on Monday 14th September 2026
- £21,805 living costs stipend at the UK Research and Innovation recommended level per year. The stipend for 2026-27 is £21,805.
PhD in Climate Law & Economics for Adaptation in Colchester employer: University of Essex
The University of Essex offers a vibrant and supportive work environment for Nursing Education Lecturers, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee development, staff have access to numerous growth opportunities, including professional training and research initiatives. Located in the picturesque town of Colchester, employees enjoy a balanced lifestyle with access to beautiful surroundings and a thriving academic community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD in Climate Law & Economics for Adaptation in Colchester
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace PhD in Climate Law & Economics for Adaptation in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show University of Essex that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at University of Essex.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that University of Essex does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Essex
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at University of Essex. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into University of Essex's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at University of Essex. This shows your passion for the industry!