EU-Funded ACCLIMATE Project Strengthens Cambridge’s Global Climate Research Agenda

Join Cambridge’s ACCLIMATE Team: Research Role in Climate Policy Now Open

The University of Cambridge is now open to applications for a Research Associate in Climate Governance to assist in an ambitious EU-funded research project called Accelerating Climate Action: Navigating towards a Low-Emissions, Resilient Future (ACCLIMATE). This role is part of Cambridge’s expanding research roles, which also testifies to the university’s interest in global careers related to climate policy and governance. The ACCLIMATE project has been proposed to enhance national and international efforts towards climate-resilient, low-emission development. The central purpose of the project is to improve the transparency, consistency, and clarity of emission reduction commitments. To achieve this, the project will develop an assessment framework for mitigation commitments and collaborate closely with national experts through an international consortium.

This partnership involves heavy-emitting nations from West Africa, Europe, and the Americas and light-emitting countries from West Africa. The project will address areas of improvement in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and long-term planning, with a specific focus on fairness, adequacy, and feasibility. It will also review existing policies and measures to determine whether they are adequate to achieve the purported climate targets.
Cambridge, with the Vrije Universiteit Brussels, leads the ACCLIMATE work package on strengthening international cooperation. This work will entail developing a framework to evaluate the quality of mitigation commitments, investigating the impact of the Global Stocktake on future NDCs, and determining the efficacy of chosen international cooperative efforts.

As well, the project will examine the implications of EU climate actions on more general international cooperation. The hired Research Associate will be responsible for contributing to these tasks and aiding Cambridge's more general involvement in the ACCLIMATE project. This is one of a number of research associate positions that UK universities are presently offering in climate governance. Applicants should possess a PhD in an appropriate social science subject, or be about to complete one. Those who have submitted but not yet had the award of their doctorate will be appointed at the Research Assistant level, with the title adjusted to Research Associate on award of the PhD. Candidates should show high-level research and publication potential, along with an enthusiasm for interdisciplinary and empirically informed work. Strong communication skills and experience in stakeholder engagement, including researchers, policymakers, NGOs, and community groups, are necessary.

The post is an 18-month fixed-term appointment and represents an important chance for Cambridge postgraduate opportunities within climate policy. It also builds on the University and Cambridge colleges' more general commitment to continuing education and research in topics of global significance. The University is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and especially encourages applications from candidates from BAME backgrounds, who are at present under-represented at this level in the department.

Applicants should provide a complete Curriculum Vitae (not exceeding four pages) with a list of publications, and a cover letter (not exceeding two pages) explaining their research interests, relevant experience, and how their background matches the post. Two referees' contact details should also be given. Referees will be contacted through the online system after shortlisting, where permission has been provided. Interviews are planned for 17-19 November 2025. Inquiries about the position in an informal capacity should be addressed to Professor Harro van Asselt at hva21@cam.ac.uk. Candidates wishing to apply are requested to click the 'Apply' button on the University's recruitment system to register and apply online. All correspondence should quote reference JP47395. Overall, this is a special opportunity to contribute towards one of Cambridge's top research projects, as well as promote academic jobs within the UK and aid international university careers in climate governance.

Editor's Note

The announcement made by the University of Cambridge is a golden opportunity for young researchers. The ACCLIMATE project is an ambitious way to enhance the transparency and credibility of global mitigation pledges through a strong assessment framework and international cooperation. Cambridge's leadership of the international cooperation work package, in collaboration with Vrije Universiteit Brussels, positions this role at the centre of activities assessing the quality of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the impact of the Global Stocktake, and the success of cooperative climate action. Representing both high- and low-emitting countries from different continents demonstrates a praiseworthy intent to equity and global representation. The Research Associate will have an important role in influencing the project's analytical findings and stakeholder interactions, especially with regard to current climate strategy adequacy, fairness, and feasibility. The position is an 18-month fixed-term and provides a useful gateway to Cambridge's broader climate policy research community, particularly for applicants wanting to establish themselves in interdisciplinary, policy-focused scholarship. This post forms part of an expanding portfolio of UK university research positions in climate governance and is a testament to Cambridge's continued commitment to international academic collaboration. Candidates are encouraged to prepare a concise CV and letter of application, and to reference JP47395 in all correspondence. Interviews will be held in mid-November, and informal inquiries may be made to Professor Harro van Asselt.

Skoobuzz views this position as strategically placed in a project that aims not only to advance the science of climate but also to shape actual-world policy. It is ideally placed for researchers who are willing to handle complex global challenges and ready to contribute to future climate change.

FAQs

1. How to apply for research associate jobs at Cambridge? 
To apply, you need to visit the University of Cambridge’s official recruitment website. There, you can search for current vacancies, register an account, and submit your application online. You’ll usually be asked to upload a CV, a cover letter and contact details for referees. Always check the job reference number and follow the instructions carefully.

2. What is the climate governance project at Cambridge University?
Cambridge is part of an EU-funded project called ACCLIMATE, which aims to improve how countries plan and report their climate actions. The project looks at national commitments to reduce emissions and checks if they are fair, realistic, and strong enough. Cambridge leads the part of the project that studies international cooperation, including how global reviews and EU policies affect climate efforts worldwide.

3. Which UK universities offer research jobs?
Many UK universities offer research roles, especially in areas like climate policy, science, and governance. These include the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University College London (UCL), Imperial College London, and the University of Edinburgh. Other institutions, such as Manchester, Bristol, and Leeds, also have active research programmes and regularly advertise vacancies.

4. Why work as a research associate at Cambridge?
Working at Cambridge gives you access to world-class research, strong academic networks, and the chance to contribute to global challenges. You’ll be part of a respected institution with a long history of supporting innovation and public good. The role also offers collaboration with international experts, opportunities for publication, and a supportive environment for career development.

5. What qualifications are needed for a research associate role?
You usually need a PhD in a relevant subject, or be close to finishing one. If you’ve submitted your thesis but haven’t received your degree yet, you may be appointed as a Research Assistant until the PhD is awarded. You should show strong research skills, good writing ability, and experience working with different groups such as policymakers, NGOs, or community organisations. Communication and teamwork are also very important.