Senior Research Fellow in Circular Economy/Material and Energy Use

Brighton, UK

Full-time considered up to a maximum of 1.0 FTE (37.5 hours) Requests for flexible working options will be considered (subject to business need).

Grade 8 starting at £47,389 to £56,535 per annum, pro rata if part time.

Fixed Term Contract

About the role

The Sussex Energy Group, within the Science Policy Research Unit at the University of Sussex Business School, are seeking to appoint a Senior Research Fellow in Circular Economy/Material and Energy Use to work with Professor Matthew Lockwood as part of the new Production and Consumption Transformation (PACT) research centre jointly funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

This role involves leading research on the institutional, political economy, policy and regulatory challenges and opportunities for reducing material throughput and energy use in production through circular economy or other strategies in selected industries (e.g., automotive manufacturing and construction).

PACT will explore the alignment of the UK's industrial strategy, and resource consumption policies with both short term and long-term climate targets. With DESNZ funding 35% of the project, you will work directly with policy makers delivering actionable insights that can lead to real policy change; and with leading researchers across three Universities, Lancaster, Leeds and Sussex.

About you

You should have a PhD (obtained at the time of the appointment) in geography, economics, political science, innovation studies, sustainability transitions or similar fields, relevant to the roles of political economy, policy, regulation and business models in circular economy or the reduction of materials and energy in production, or equivalent experience gained through non-academic experience. With a proven capacity to work independently and develop a research agenda will also have the analytical skills or experience necessary to apply existing concepts and theories about governance, institutions and policy in industry.

Strong knowledge and methods training, and experience, in qualitative techniques such as field research and interviewing, and data management are essential and you should have evidence of the ability to communicate effectively to academic, policy and non-academic audiences.

This role will commence in January 2026

About our Faculty

As a pioneering research-driven and interdisciplinary Faculty, the University of Sussex Business School offers an inspiring and supportive environment for impactful business and management research and scholarship. Our five dynamic Departments—Accounting and Finance, Strategy and Marketing, Management, Economics, and the renowned Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU)—are dedicated to advancing academic excellence and practical insights to inform policy and drive responsible business solutions.

With a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability, the School shapes the future of business education, producing research and scholarship and graduates that make a difference in the UK and globally. By joining us, you will be part of a distinctive, future-focused community influencing real-world practices and promoting sustainable development.

Why work here

Our university is situated off the A27, next to the beautiful South Downs where you will enjoy everything that our 150-acre campus has to offer. We are accessible by public transport; Falmer train station is a five-minute walk to campus and several bus stops are located within campus. We also have dedicated cycling paths and encourage our staff to use these with our offering of a cycle to work scheme.

Sussex is a renowned, multi-accredited, research-led International University and this is only possible because of the people that work here. Whether you are a member of Faculty, part of a Professional Services team or a Student, it's our people that make us great and we want you to be part of that.

Find out about our equality, diversity and inclusion.

Further Key Information

Please contact Matthew Lockwood ) for informal enquiries.

The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed in the UK.

Visa Sponsorship Queries: This role has been assigned an eligible SOC code and meets the salary requirements for Skilled Worker Sponsorship if full time and appointed at Grade 7.4. Please consult our Skilled Worker Visa information page for further information about Visa Sponsorship.

November 16, 2025 5:59 PM

To Be Confirmed

January 2026

Fixed Term until 31 March 2029.