Postdoctoral Research Associate in Inclusive Battery Redeployment for Global Decarbonisation

We are seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate in Just and Inclusive Battery Redeployment for Global Decarbonisation to join the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, School of Geography and Environment at the University of Oxford. The post is funded by the Oxford Martin Programme on Circular Battery Economies. It is fixed-term for 30 months (or up to December 2027). The successful candidate will work on an exciting new multi-disciplinary programme on Circular Battery Economies, which aims to determine the existing/growing role of batteries for energy storage in Global South countries. This position will focus on identifying and understanding the interactions of key actors within these landscapes, building analytical frameworks based on comprehensive data and institutional mapping, analysis of growth sectors and geographies, and continuous stakeholder engagement. Main duties will include:

• understanding the landscape of cross-cutting policies that support battery uptake in Global South countries and current market entry points/barriers for second-life batteries
• identifying stakeholder groups that influence deployment of second life batteries
• understanding community needs and to what extent community perceptions of using second life batteries are factored in
• the role of justice in battery uptake and use, and the synergies between regulatory and policy frameworks supporting battery deployment for sustainable uptake.
The post-holder will undertake interdisciplinary research, and have skills in mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) research, as well as demonstrable capability to engage with diverse stakeholder and community groups This research will inform targeted policy interventions. The project will involve close collaboration with researchers from other disciplines within the Oxford Martin School Circular Battery Economies Programme who are working on technical aspects such as second-life battery modelling, re-certification, and use cases for redeployment.

You must hold, or be near to completion, of a relevant PhD in the fields of economic policy, economic geography, energy and environmental studies, public policy, or another closely-related social science discipline, with post-qualification research experience or relevant work experience prior to the PhD. Ideally, you will be familiar (through previous research or work experience) with the academic and policy literature on the deployment of decarbonised technologies particularly batteries, circular economy approaches, economic development, policy studies, and justice and equity in the energy transition. Additionally, the ideal candidate will have a strong peer-reviewed publication record appropriate to their career stage, and sufficient specialist knowledge of policy design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Applications are particularly welcome and encouraged from women, black, and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in posts in SoGE. SoGE are committed to equality and value diversity. All applications must include a CV, Supporting Statement/Cover Letter. Applications for this vacancy are to be made online.

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Inclusive Battery Redeployment for Global DecarbonisationSmith School of Enterprise and the Environment, School of Geography and the Environment, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY