Post Doctoral Research Associate in Environmental Intelligence and Analytics for Decision Science

The Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery (LCNR) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to research on biodiversity markets, environmental decision-making, and nature recovery policy. Working with Professor Michael Obersteiner, Professor Alexander Teytelboym, Dr Sophus zu Ermgassen, and Professor Yadvinder Malhi, the successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team working at the intersection of environmental economics, land-use modelling, policy design, and conservation finance.

The role will focus on the design and evaluation of biodiversity markets and incentive mechanisms, including approaches such as combinatorial auctions for nature recovery. Research will explore spatial targeting, habitat connectivity, market design, and the trade-offs between environmental outcomes and market efficiency. The postholder will contribute to the development of analytical and modelling approaches that support evidence-based policy for biodiversity net gain and wider nature recovery initiatives across Great Britain.

We are seeking a candidate who holds, or is close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in a relevant discipline and has expertise in Python-based modelling, land-use modelling, optimisation methods, and the analysis of nature markets or environmental incentive schemes. The successful candidate will be capable of working independently while contributing to a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment.

The role includes opportunities to publish in leading journals, contribute to policy-facing outputs, engage with stakeholders, and support the development of future research proposals. The successful candidate will also be expected to participate actively in the Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery’s interdisciplinary activities, including research meetings, workshops, and collaborations across the Centre’s research themes.

This is an opportunity to contribute to innovative research shaping the design of environmental markets and the evidence base for nature recovery policy.

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ well-being, and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

You will be required to upload a covering letter with a supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application. In your supporting statement, please explain how you meet each of the selection criteria found in the job description, and why you would like to do this role. See guidance at https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/cv-and-supporting-statement.

Any technical questions related to this vacancy can be sent to: recruit@ouce.ox.ac.uk

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on 16 June 2026. Only applications submitted by this time will be considered.