Post Doctoral Research Associate in Agent-Based Climate Macroeconomics
Smith School & Environmental Change Institute, School of Geography and the Environment, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY
The University of Oxford is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to research examining the macroeconomic impacts of UK climate mitigation policies. Based at the Institute for New Economic Thinking (INET), the successful candidate will join the MacroCB7 – Macroeconomics of the Seventh Carbon Budget project, working closely with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) to assess how climate policies affect economic growth, employment, inflation and inequality.
Working with Professor Doyne Farmer, Tom Youngman and Dr Donal Brown, you will contribute to the development and application of an innovative agent-based macroeconomic model to evaluate the economic and distributional consequences of net zero policies. Research will explore areas including low-carbon heating technologies, government finances, alternative investment scenarios and the potential for social tipping points in climate transitions.
The role combines quantitative research, software development and policy engagement. You will develop and implement new modelling approaches using Python, analyse results through sensitivity testing and simulation, contribute to academic publications, and present findings to government and policy partners. From June 2027, the research will expand to examine transformative net zero policies across energy, housing, transport and food, with a particular focus on reducing inequality alongside greenhouse gas emissions.
We are seeking candidates who hold, or are close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in a relevant discipline, with programming experience and a strong understanding of economic theory, particularly macroeconomics and complexity approaches. You should have excellent analytical and communication skills, experience contributing to research publications, and an interest in applying quantitative modelling to climate policy. Experience in agent-based modelling, collaborative coding or policy-engaged research would be advantageous.
The role is based at INET's offices on Manor Road, Oxford. Flexible working arrangements may be considered, subject to discussion and approval, including part-time working at 0.5 FTE or above. A minimum of one day per week in the office during term time is expected.
This position offers the opportunity to develop and apply innovative economic modelling methods to inform UK climate policy, working within an interdisciplinary research team with established government partnerships.
This post is offered on a full-time, fixed-term basis for 18 months upon start date. (Part-time arrangements of 0.5 FTE or above may be considered)
What We Offer
As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ well-being, and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:
- 38 days annual leave
- A comprehensive range of childcare services
- Family leave schemes
- Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans.
The closing date for applications is12.00 noon (UK time) on 9 November 2026.Only applications submitted by this time will be considered. Interviews are expected to take place on or around the 18 September 2026.
The University of Oxford and The School of Geography and the Environment are Silver Athena SWAN holders. Applications are particularly welcome and encouraged from women, black, and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in posts in The School of Geography and the Environment. The School of Geography and the Environment are committed to equality and values diversity
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Post Doctoral Research Associate in Agent-Based Climate Macroeconomics in Oxford employer: University of Oxford
The Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Oxford is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment where finance professionals can thrive. With a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, along with generous benefits such as 38 days of annual leave and a robust family leave scheme, employees are supported in both their professional and personal lives. This role not only provides the opportunity to influence strategic financial decisions within a world-renowned department but also fosters continuous growth and development in a vibrant academic community.
