Material and Energy(UK Visa Sponsorship Available)

Job Description

About the Role

The Sussex Energy Group, within the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) at the University of Sussex Business School, is seeking to appoint a Senior Research Fellow specialising in Circular Economy / Material and Energy Use.

The postholder will work with Professor Matthew Lockwood as part of the Production and Consumption Transformation (PACT) Research Centre — a new initiative jointly funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

This position involves leading research into the institutional, political economy, policy, and regulatory challenges and opportunities for reducing material throughput and energy use in production systems. The focus will be on circular economy strategies and related approaches in key industrial sectors such as automotive manufacturing and construction.

The PACT Centre will explore how the UK’s industrial strategy and resource consumption policies align with both short-term and long-term climate objectives. The successful candidate will work closely with policy makers, delivering actionable insights that can inform real-world policy change, while collaborating with leading researchers across Lancaster, Leeds, and Sussex Universities.

About You

You will hold a PhD (completed at the time of appointment) in a relevant discipline such as geography, economics, political science, innovation studies, or sustainability transitions, or possess equivalent professional experience.

You should demonstrate:

• Expertise in the political economy, policy, regulation, or business models related to the circular economy or material and energy reduction in production.
• Proven ability to work independently and to develop and lead research agendas.
• Strong grounding in qualitative research methods, including fieldwork, interviewing, and data management.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with academic, policy, and non-academic audiences.

About the Faculty

The University of Sussex Business School is an interdisciplinary and research-driven environment committed to impactful, real-world scholarship. It comprises five departments:

• Accounting and Finance
• Strategy and Marketing
• Management
• Economics
• The renowned Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU)

The School is dedicated to advancing innovation, sustainability, and responsible business, producing research that influences policy and practice in the UK and internationally.

Why Work With Us

• Our 150-acre campus, located next to the South Downs National Park, offers a beautiful and accessible working environment.
• Excellent public transport links (Falmer train station within 5 minutes’ walk).
• Cycle-friendly campus with a Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Comprehensive reward and benefits package.
• Strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

At Sussex, we believe our people make us exceptional — whether they are academic staff, professional services, or students — and we invite you to join a vibrant, forward-thinking community.

Additional Information

The University requires that all work is performed within the UK.

Visa Sponsorship: This role meets the salary and occupational requirements for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship, if appointed full-time at Grade 8.