Climate Evidence Unit Senior Research Consultant

This role will be based on the university campus, with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

We have an exciting opportunity to work with our world-leading climate-related researchers as part of the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures. The Priestley Centre is the University of Leeds’ cross-institutional climate research, innovation and learning centre. From local to global, we ensure that climate action is informed by the latest research, collaborating with organisations and individuals to transform our expertise into real-world impact. 

Following a successful pilot, the Priestley Centre is forming an expanded Climate Evidence Unit (CEU) to provide independent, robust and timely evidence aimed at supporting and challenging decision makers in their efforts to advance rapid decarbonisation of societies and build climate resilience. The CEU is delivering both policy-facing outputs and events, and externally-funded contract work for public, private and third sector organisations, providing the functions of both a policy unit and a business unit. In doing so, the CEU draws on University of Leeds research and expertise to produce targeted and publicly available outputs in the form of rapid evidence reviews, policy analysis, scenario modelling, specialised reports and briefings that fulfil policy needs (policy unit). Alongside this, the CEU is also bidding for and delivering externally-commissioned and contracted work such as evidence synthesis reports, peer-review of products and services, expert advice, consultancy and contract research (business unit).

As part of our expansion of the Climate Evidence Unit, the Priestley Centre is recruiting a Senior Research Consultant. The successful applicant will work with the Priestley Centre community and external organisations to translate existing research into evidence, projects and outputs that maximise climate ambition and action by supporting public and private sector decision making nationally and internationally. Reporting to the Priestley Centre’s Deputy Directors for Policy and Innovation, you will leverage academic expertise from a range of disciplines to develop and deliver bespoke outputs and contracted projects. 

You will have broad expertise in climate change and significant experience of coordinating diverse teams. We welcome applicants with both a background in climate mitigation and adaptation. You will also have a proven track record in assimilating research findings and translating them for non-academic audiences. You will have a track record of attracting funding for research consultancy projects and delivery. You will act as an ambassador for the Priestley Centre representing the breadth of University of Leeds climate-related activities externally, and by developing and maintaining relationships with key clients and stakeholders. 

This is a new role that will be embedded with a broader team of part-time researchers, academics and professional services staff to develop and deliver on the ambitions of the Climate Evidence Unit. The researchers you will be working with have considerable experience of delivering projects for the UK Government and engaging with international policy making processes through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. 

This is an ongoing role but subject to a stage gate review of the Priestly Centre at the end of the 27/28 Financial year

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent.

What we offer in return

•    26 days holiday plus approx. 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!

•    Generous pension scheme plus life assurance– the University contributes 14.5% of salary.

•    Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.

•    Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.

•    Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!  

If you are looking for a role that will translate research to maximise climate ambition and action, apply today.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

John Barrett, Director of the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures Climate Evidence Unit

Email: j.r.barrett@leeds.ac.uk

Chelsea Boothroyd, Deputy Director for Innovation, Priestley Centre for Climate Futures

Email: c.boothroyd@leeds.ac.uk

Closing Date: 04 May 2025

Section: Research

Salary: £48,149 to £57,422 per annum