Research Fellow in Just Transitions

The Post

The postdoctoral research fellow will support the delivery of a variety of critical research tasks to deliver the JUST-Systems programme on time and to budget. The PDRF will take a leading role in the delivery of the Clackmannanshire and Aberdeen case studies.

In Clackmannanshire, the case explores the design and delivery of a suite of potential projects, including community led energy generation, local heat networks, and the retrofit of domestic and community properties to improve social outcomes, health, and employment, working closely in partnership with Clackmannanshire Council.

In Aberdeen, the case centres on the delivery of improved housing infrastructure (retrofitting) to address fuel poverty and improve health outcomes and will partner with local organisations including NESFIT (NE Scotland Retrofitting Hub), Transition Catalyst and NESCAN (NE Scotland Climate Action Network).

The PDRF will work closely with the project lead, case study leaders from the University of Stirling and Aberdeen and the wider academic team to design and implement social analysis of the cases including regional profiles, interviews and workshops on place-based understanding of Just Transition and critical systems analysis. The role will also include working with the energy systems modelling teams to explore how the social analysis can align with systems modelling to develop evidence-based pathways that inform implementation and policy. The role will focus significant effort on field work, participatory approaches and stakeholder engagement with the opportunity to engage widely across the project teams and UK case studies.

Description of Duties

The post will be based in Stirling in the Faculty of Natural Sciences and the Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences. The position will involve regular travel within Scotland and across the UK for the annual science meetings, training events and key events such as policy engagement and expert workshops. While this is primarily a social science role, we are seeking a candidate who has interest and capability in interdisciplinary research and can undertake dialogue and research activity across disciplines such as geography, policy, energy systems and engineering, humanities and sociology. There may be the opportunity to contribute to teaching in the Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences in specialist subjects such as energy and sustainability, and to support the supervision of student dissertations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:​

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will deliver the following tasks:

• Delivery of the Clackmannanshire and Aberdeen case studies including analysis of regional profiles and evidence, field work including interviews and focus groups, and development of creative methods to understand place-based challenges of a Just Transition delivered in WP3
• Working alongside and integrating the case study social research outputs with energy and net zero systems modelling delivered in WP2
• Working alongside and integrating the case study social research outputs with policy and governance analysis in WP4
• Supporting the capacity building of case study partners via the Capacity Building Fund led by WP5 including contribution to events, training and materials
• Leading on the development of key outputs including reports and academic publications from the case study analysis
• Engaging and contributing to the early career researcher culture and community in the project, including attendance at training and capacity building events
• Liaising with key local partners and wider stakeholders in the delivery of the research programme both at the case study, regional and national level
• Engaging with research staff across the University, academic partners and case studies ensuring an active and engaged team and appropriate UK travel where necessary
• Other relevant tasks that may emerge during the remit and delivery of the programme related to overall support and delivery of JUST-Systems

Essential Criteria

• A PhD in social science, geography, environmental or sustainability sciences
• Demonstrable experience in social research methods as applied to community, place based and/or stakeholder focused contexts
• Strong familiarity with the context, concepts and key issues facing Just Transition, climate policy, energy transition or sustainability in a local authority, community or place-based context
• Experience of research collaboration in an interdisciplinary environment
• Demonstrable experience in working with stakeholders from government, civil society, business and/or communities in climate, energy, or sustainability context
• Knowledge of relevant software supporting social research methods and proficiency in standard office software
• Capability to manage multiple research tasks simultaneously without compromising quality in a dynamic research environment
• Willingness to travel in UK, including substantive fieldwork time in Clackmannanshire and Aberdeen

Desirable Criteria

• Research expertise in Just Transition, Energy, Climate or Sustainability
• Ability to work and thrive in an interdisciplinary research environment focused on social change
• Appreciation and understanding of the wider climate change and just transition agenda and its application in the Scottish and local authority context
• Experience in social media engagement and scientific outreach / knowledge exchange

Additional Information

Full time

Fixed term for 3 years

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 09 November 2025.

Interviews are expected to take place on Monday 24 November 2025.

There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.

This role may be eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances and is a postdoctoral role under SOC code 2119.

The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

For a full description of duties and essential/desirable criteria please click the apply button, which will take you directly to the University Website.