Deadline: 1 October 2023
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, 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
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.
About You
Applicants must have:
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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.
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Experience delivering projects in an interdisciplinary setting, including delivering to deadline and resolving issues as they emerge.
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Ability to engage with technical, scientific research, such as papers in climate, ecological and environmental sciences.
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Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills, including the ability to represent CSER and its research to diverse stakeholders and expert communities.
How to Apply
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 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. We expect to hold remote interviews in the week commencing 9 October subject to change.