Research Fellow (101766-0426)

Informal Queries

• For informal queries, please contact Caroline Kuzemko, Professor and Project Investigator, at C.Kuzemko.1@warwick.ac.uk.

Applications are invited for the role of Research Fellow as part of the UKRI funded UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) theme on the ‘Geopolitics, Energy Security, and Resilience of Net Zero’, based in the Department of Politics and International Studies (PAIS) at the University of Warwick.

This is a a multi-university, inter-disciplinary project, led by Professor Caroline Kuzemko, working together with the Warwick Business School, and the universities of Sussex, Durham, York and Leeds. There are three work packages within the theme.

The Research Fellow’s primary duties will be to research and draft journal articles and policy briefs, linked to the ‘Geopolitical Economy of Low Carbon Transitions’ work package, which is led by Professor Gavin Bridge. Within this work package there are two further projects – one on the UK within global battery geopolitics and one on the political economy of the UK’s international electricity interconnectors.

There are also opportunities to engage in research connected to other theme work packages, on the ‘Geopolitics of Fossil Fuel Phase Out’ and the ‘Political Economy of Net Zero in the UK’. And on the overarching theme topic of ‘statecraft and energy transitions’.

The successful candidate will act as Deputy Theme Lead and, in this capacity, will be asked to deputise for Caroline Kuzemko in UKERC Management Board meetings when necessary, liaise with UKERC administrative staff, and to report theme findings and outputs on a half yearly basis.

Please note that it is a University of Warwick requirement that the successful candidate resides in the UK.

• You will have a PhD in Politics, International Relations, or International Political Economy or a related subject with expertise in the politics of energy and/or the geopolitics of energy transitions.
• You will have a strong publication record, with high quality publications relevant to the UKERC theme ‘Geopolitics, Energy Security, and Resilience of Net Zero’. 
• The ideal candidate should be able to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team to deliver the common objectives of the UKERC ‘Geopolitics, Energy Security, and Resilience of Net Zero’ theme and the ‘Geopolitical Economy of Low Carbon Transitions’ work package, in particular.
• You will be a good communicator capable of working effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team of researchers.
• You will have the ability to clearly communicate complex information (orally and in writing) and material of a specialist or highly technical nature.
• You will be motivated both by an interest in academic research and by a desire to work with policymakers, the public, and others to achieve research-based policy impact in the real world.
• You will possess good planning and time management skills.
• An established research interest in: the role of the state in transitions; the political resilience of net zero policy; or energy security (at a time of transitions) would be useful.
• Experience of reporting funded project outputs would be useful.

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

PhD Status

If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum).

Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).

PAIS is one of the UK’s leading Politics and International Studies departments: in the 2025 The Times/The Sunday Times Good University Guide PAIS ranked 4th of the 80 UK Politics Departments; in REF2021 and REF2014 we were awarded 100% 4* for research environment; and since 2016 PAIS has ranked as number 1 or 2 for ‘overall satisfaction’ in Russell Group for Politics in the National Student Survey (NSS).

We are a diverse and inclusive community. We are committed to embedding the values of dignity, equality, freedom, and justice in our practices, including widening opportunity for both students and staff.

The Department’s core intellectual aim is to sustain a rich and welcoming environment as a methodologically and theoretically pluralist department with a broad and inclusive understanding of what it means to undertake research and teaching in Politics and International Studies.

We offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including a suite of double-degree MAs with partner institutions. We also have a vibrant PhD programme.

PAIS holds an Athena Swan silver award, a national initiative that recognises the advancement of gender equality, representation, progression, and success for all in academia. We provide a welcoming and inclusive working and learning environment. We recognise that everyone is different in a variety of visible and non-visible ways, and that those differences are to be recognised, respected, and valued. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive academic environment in which all colleagues can thrive. We warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented communities. We actively champion a culture of inclusion, intellectual curiosity, and innovation across our diverse department.

To find out more about the department, please visit our website:  https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/pais/

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 74th in the world and 9th in the UK.* Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.**

Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.

* World University Ranking 2026, Complete University Guide 2026

** Research Excellence Framework 2021

CLOSING DEADLINE: Sunday 31 May 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)

To apply, please click APPLY below and submit your application by the closing deadline. 

You will be asked to include a CV and cover letter. 

• Your CV should outline your employment and education history, include a list of publications, and provide the names of three expert referees.
• Your cover letter should describe how you meet the criteria in the Job Description (JD) attached below, including your research expertise and interests, any experience of working within funded research projects, and any experience of policy impact and engagement work.

1. Outline your employment and education history (including your most recent employment).

2. Outline the reasons for your interest in this position.

3. Demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the role with clear reference to each of the essential and desirable criteria in the Job Description (PDF attached below).

• Interview Date: 28 June 2026
• Start Date: 01 July 2026

Applications must be submitted by the closing deadline. Only applications submitted through our Careers Portal will be considered.

You are welcome to include details of any career breaks or periods of disrupted work that may have affected your professional trajectory. This may include, but is not limited to, parental or caring responsibilities, long-term illness or disability, part-time or precarious employment, secondments, or disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We recognise that academic careers take varied paths, and we are committed to assessing all applications equitably and in context.

Please note that if you do not evidence the essential criteria, the hiring panel may not be able to shortlist your application. For guidance on how to format a cover letter, see here.

We provide a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. For more information, see here.

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick.

Find out more about our awards and accreditations.

We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.

Safeguarding & DBS

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with.

• Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice.
• The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults).
• All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction.

Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.