Deadline: 1 October 2023
The Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER) invites applications for a Research Associate interested in environmental issues related to catastrophic risk, particularly how to mitigate those issues. This role would suit someone with a PhD in a relevant field, who is developing their research agenda and is interested in spending time connecting their work to previous and existing projects at CSER.
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. There is a body of previous research and advocacy work at CSER related to extreme risks and the global environment. To find out more, you can find an infographic under Resources on the Centre’s website, which cover output related to climate change, including cascading risks in agriculture, large-scale technology and biodiversity.
The Role
Key activities associated with the role include:
- Independent research to be published as papers, reports, and other more innovative forms of outputs.
- Produce articles suitable for a broader audience in order to promote wider understanding of environmental issues for global catastrophic risk and their mitigation.
- Participation in Centre-wide activities, both internally and through contributions to our outreach and engagement efforts.
- Development of a research agenda that stretches beyond their specialist interests.
About You
Applicants must have:
- A PhD in a relevant field.
- A research interest related to environmental issues that could lead to or exacerbate a global catastrophe.
- A research interest in working with communities, methods or policy makers with the goal of mitigating risk.
- Enthusiasm for joining an interdisciplinary team, focused on mitigating global catastrophe.
How to Apply
Funding for this post is 2.5 years full-time or equivalent total hours part-time, but must conclude before July 2026.
CSER is supportive of researchers who choose to take advantage of the University of Cambridge's allowance for part-time consultancy work, as well as other avenues for impact beyond academic publications.
If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact Jessica Bland recruitment@cser.cam.ac.uk , or about the application process, please contact the Schools HR team on SAHHR@admin.cam.ac.uk.
The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 1 October 2023. Interviews are planned for the week commencing 9 October (subject to change).