Research Associate

Role Description

Department

The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) is an international research organisation conducting policy-relevant environmental and sustainable development research around the world. SEI’s York Center (SEI-Y) has a team of around 50 staff and has a broad research profile working across  key areas, including air quality and climate change, sustainable consumption and production (SCP), citizen science and urban environments. We have a strong academic track record as well as an international reputation of producing highly credible evidence-based science-to-policy research with high international impact. 

This role is based within the SCP team, which focuses on assessing the global environmental and social impacts of trade and consumption. The team works closely with the Trase Initiative, a global leader in promoting supply chain transparency, making this an exciting opportunity to contribute to impactful and internationally relevant research.

At SEI York, we prioritise the wellbeing and development of our staff, fostering a diverse, creative, and collaborative work environment. As part of a multinational and multidisciplinary team, you’ll work in a professional and supportive setting where your contributions are valued, and creativity is encouraged. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace and warmly welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Role

As a Research Associate in the Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) team, you will play a vital role in assessing the international environmental and social impacts of trade and consumption activities, contributing to policy agendas and high-profile research outputs. This is an international recruitment with work visa sponsorship available, offering the opportunity to work in a globally recognised research environment. Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and applying quantitative models, including the Global Environmental Impacts of Consumption (GEIC) indicator, which is an experimental UK national statistic and a component under the Convention on Biological Diversity post-2020 global biodiversity framework.
• Supporting data requests and maintaining robust documentation within established modelling frameworks.
• Collaborating on the Trase Initiative to bring transparency to high-risk agricultural supply chains.
• Producing impactful research outputs through analysis, interpretation, and publications.
• Engaging with emerging research frontiers and fostering collaborations across disciplines.

This role directly supports the SCP team’s research and development efforts, particularly in modelling the overseas environmental impacts of consumption and applying these findings in national-level policymaking. Working alongside a multidisciplinary and international team, you will contribute to innovative approaches that link science with actionable policy solutions.

This role is available between 22.20 - 37 hours per week. (0.6 to 1 FTE) and on a fixed term basis for up to 24 months.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications needed

We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented researcher with:

• A PhD in Mathematics, Computer Science, or a closely related field (or equivalent experience).
• Strong quantitative and computational skills, with proficiency in MATLAB or similar programming languages and the ability to adapt quickly.
• Knowledge of a range of research techniques and methodologies, particularly quantitative and computational approaches.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to engage effectively with internal and external collaborators.
• A proven ability to carry out independent and collaborative research, with a track record of producing high-quality outputs.
• Attention to detail, a collaborative ethos, and enthusiasm for the subject matter are essential, alongside a commitment to maintaining the highest standards in research.

Desirable qualifications include experience with supply chain models, hybrid multi-regional input-output approaches, or GIT/GITHUB version control.

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: Please contact Chris West (chris.west@york.ac.uk) and Simon Croft  (simon.croft@york.ac.uk) 

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork