Job Description

The Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER) invites applications for a Senior Research Associate to deliver research that maps out environmental issues related to catastrophic risk. This role would suit an experienced researcher who would benefit from a 1-year research-intensive post to make progress on existing interests and opportunities.

CSER produces world-leading research on global catastrophic risk topics ranging from pandemics to the impacts of emerging technologies, engaging with policymakers at the national and international level, and launching major research initiatives in Cambridge.

The post is funded by the Grantham Foundation for the Protection of the Environment and their mission is to protect and improve the health of the global environment, especially in relation to climate change and carbon removal. To find out more about work at CSER related to extreme risks and the global environment, click on this summary of CSER\'s outputs.

Candidates will be expected to produce rigorous, exploratory research that leads to new insight about potential global catastrophic risks. This includes engaging with technical, scientific research, such as papers in climate, ecological and environmental sciences.

Key activities associated with the role include:

• Independent research that maps out environmental issues related to catastrophic risk to be published as papers in leading academic journals, and reports for government, industry, and other relevant organisations.
• Lead development of potential future projects at the Centre, bringing colleagues\' ideas together.
• Actively seeking additional funding for projects at the Centre, including identifying opportunities, developing and drafting grant applications.

Applicants must have:

• A high level of education, preferably to a PhD level, and at least three years of postdoctoral research experience or equivalent experience, with publications or other outputs that demonstrate a high level of competence.
• Experience delivering projects in an interdisciplinary setting, including delivering to deadline and resolving issues as they emerge.

• Ability to engage with technical, scientific research, such as papers in climate, ecological and environmental sciences.
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills, including the ability to represent CSER and its research to diverse stakeholders and expert communities.

(This post is advertised at the same time as a 2.5 year Research Associate position in environmental risk, suitable for an earlier career academic.)

Funding is available for 1 year full-time or equivalent total hours part-time, but must conclude before July 2026.

If you have any questions about this vacancy you can contact Jessica Bland at , or about the application process, please contact the Schools HR team on .

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 1 October 2023. We expect to hold remote interviews in the week commencing 9 October subject to change.

Click the \'Apply\' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please quote reference GO38210 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Further information

University of Cambridge