Senior Research Fellow in Circular Economy(UK Visa Sponsorship Available)

Job Description

Role Overview

The Sussex Energy Group (SEG), housed within the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) at the University of Sussex Business School, is seeking an exceptional Senior Research Fellow specialising in circular economy, resource efficiency, and material/energy use in industry. This post supports the newly established Production and Consumption Transformation (PACT) research centre—funded jointly by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

You will work at the forefront of national research shaping the UK’s transition to more sustainable production systems. This includes exploring institutional, regulatory and political economy factors influencing reductions in material throughput and industrial energy demand, with an emphasis on sectors such as automotive manufacturing and construction.

The role offers the opportunity to engage closely with policymakers, government departments and leading academic teams at the Universities of Sussex, Lancaster and Leeds. Your research will directly inform policy directions relating to the UK’s industrial strategies and long-term climate targets.

What You Will Do

Working alongside Professor Matthew Lockwood, you will:

• Lead research on governance, institutions and regulatory frameworks supporting circular economy and low-material production.
• Examine how UK industrial strategy aligns with climate and resource-use commitments, contributing evidence that can inform policy development
• Investigate opportunities and barriers to resource efficiency in key industrial sectors.
• Conduct in-depth qualitative research—interviews, field studies, documentary analysis—ensuring strong data governance aligned with UK GDPR guidance
• Produce research outputs for academic, policy and industry audiences, contributing to impact work across the PACT consortium.
• Collaborate with government departments, including DESNZ and associated regulatory bodies (UK Industrial Strategy policy)
• Support stakeholder engagement and cross-institutional coordination across three partner universities.
• Contribute to sectoral analysis relevant to the UK’s green economy transition (Green Jobs & Skills guidance)

About You

Applicants should bring:

• A completed PhD in geography, economics, political science, innovation studies, sustainability transitions, or a closely related field. Equivalent professional experience in relevant sectors may also be considered.
• Demonstrated expertise in the political economy, governance, regulation or business models associated with circular economy transitions and industrial sustainability.
• Strong qualitative research training, including experience with data collection, interviews, industry engagement and data management.
• An independent research track record, with the capacity to shape and advance your own research agenda.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex findings for policymakers and non-academic audiences.
• Evidence of effective collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
• A commitment to advancing research that supports UK net-zero and sustainable production goals (UK Circular Economy policies)

About the Business School

The University of Sussex Business School is an internationally recognised, research-intensive Faculty with a strong interdisciplinary ethos. Home to five departments—Accounting & Finance, Economics, Strategy & Marketing, Management, and SPRU—the School supports impactful scholarship addressing key global challenges.

SPRU, founded in 1966, is one of the world’s leading centres for research on science, technology and innovation policy. Joining this community means contributing to cutting-edge work shaping sustainable development and responsible business.

Why Work at Sussex?

Our campus sits beside the South Downs National Park, offering beautiful green spaces while being just minutes from Falmer train station and multiple bus routes. We encourage sustainable travel through dedicated cycle paths and a cycle-to-work scheme.

Sussex is a globally recognised research university with a strong commitment to equity, wellbeing and professional development. Staff benefit from a supportive, inclusive environment and an excellent rewards and benefits package.

Further Information

The University welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and is committed to widening representation in research and academia.

Visa Sponsorship:
This position is linked to an eligible SOC code and meets the Skilled Worker salary criteria at full-time Grade 8. For guidance, please refer to UK Government Skilled Worker Visa rules

Application Details

• Closing Date: 16 November 2025, 15:59
  Interview Date: To be confirmed
  Start Date: January 2026
  Contract End: 31 March 2029