Vacancies

Led by Dr François Lafond, Professor J. Doyne Farmer and Professor Max Roser, the programme aims to improve understanding of how technologies develop, diffuse and evolve, with a particular focus on the net zero transition and artificial intelligence.

Working within the Complexity Economics research group at the Institute for New Economic Thinking (INET), you will contribute to the development of a comprehensive database on technological progress and undertake quantitative research examining the drivers of technological change. The research will explore how technological characteristics influence innovation and diffusion, whether rates of technological progress can be predicted, and how declining costs and increasing adoption interact.

The role combines independent research, quantitative analysis and research project management. You will lead the preparation of peer-reviewed publications, develop and apply research methodologies, analyse complex datasets, and contribute to research proposals and funding applications. You will also coordinate and supervise a small team of part-time research assistants and collaborate with researchers across disciplines and partner institutions.

We are seeking a candidate who holds a PhD/DPhil or be close to completion in a relevant discipline, with strong quantitative and statistical skills, programming experience, and knowledge of complex systems science and/or advanced forecasting techniques. You should have an understanding of the economics of innovation, net zero technologies and/or artificial intelligence, including experience with sophisticated applications of large language models. Previous contributions to publications in leading academic journals, excellent communication skills and the ability to manage research activities are essential.

The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research environment as both a member of INET's Complexity Economics research group and an Oxford Martin Fellow, with opportunities to contribute to research on the future of technological development.

This position offers an opportunity to advance quantitative research on technological change and contribute to new approaches for forecasting developments in clean technologies and artificial intelligence.

This post is offered on a full time, fixed-term basis for 2 years from start date.

What we offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ well-being, and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

Application process

You will be required to upload a covering letter with a supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application. In your supporting statement, please explain how you meet each of the selection criteria found in the job description, and why you would like to do this role. See guidance at https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/cv-and-supporting-statement.

Any technical questions related to this vacancy can be sent to: recruit@ouce.ox.ac.uk  

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon (UK time) on 27 November 2026. Only applications submitted by this time will be considered.

The University of Oxford and The School of Geography and the Environment are Silver Athena SWAN holders.  Applications are particularly welcome and encouraged from women, black, and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in posts in The School of Geography and the Environment. The School of Geography and the Environment are committed to equality and values diversity.

• Contact Person:  HR Officer
• Vacancy ID:  189392
• Contact Email:  recruit@ouce.ox.ac.uk

Key links

Based at the Institute for New Economic Thinking (INET), the successful candidate will join the MacroCB7 – Macroeconomics of the Seventh Carbon Budget project, working closely with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) to assess how climate policies affect economic growth, employment, inflation and inequality.

Working with Professor Doyne Farmer, Tom Youngman and Dr Donal Brown, you will contribute to the development and application of an innovative agent-based macroeconomic model to evaluate the economic and distributional consequences of net zero policies. Research will explore areas including low-carbon heating technologies, government finances, alternative investment scenarios and the potential for social tipping points in climate transitions.

The role combines quantitative research, software development and policy engagement. You will develop and implement new modelling approaches using Python, analyse results through sensitivity testing and simulation, contribute to academic publications, and present findings to government and policy partners. From June 2027, the research will expand to examine transformative net zero policies across energy, housing, transport and food, with a particular focus on reducing inequality alongside greenhouse gas emissions.

We are seeking candidates who hold, or are close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in a relevant discipline, with programming experience and a strong understanding of economic theory, particularly macroeconomics and complexity approaches. You should have excellent analytical and communication skills, experience contributing to research publications, and an interest in applying quantitative modelling to climate policy. Experience in agent-based modelling, collaborative coding or policy-engaged research would be advantageous.

The role is based at INET's offices on Manor Road, Oxford. Flexible working arrangements may be considered, subject to discussion and approval, including part-time working at 0.5 FTE or above. A minimum of one day per week in the office during term time is expected.

This position offers the opportunity to develop and apply innovative economic modelling methods to inform UK climate policy, working within an interdisciplinary research team with established government partnerships.

This post is offered on a full-time, fixed-term basis for 18 months upon start date. (Part-time arrangements of 0.5 FTE or above may be considered)

What we offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ well-being, and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans.

Application Process

You will be required to upload a covering letter with a supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application. In your supporting statement, please explain how you meet each of the selection criteria found in the job description, and why you would like to do this role. See guidance at  https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/cv-and-supporting-statement.

Any technical questions related to this vacancy can be sent to: recruit@ouce.ox.ac.uk  

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon (UK time) on 9 November 2026. Only applications submitted by this time will be considered. Interviews are expected to take place on or around the 18 September 2026.

The University of Oxford and The School of Geography and the Environment are Silver Athena SWAN holders.  Applications are particularly welcome and encouraged from women, black, and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in posts in The School of Geography and the Environment. The School of Geography and the Environment are committed to equality and values diversity.

• Vacancy ID: 189267
• Closing Date & Time: 09-Nov-2026 12:00
• Contact Email: recruit@ouce.ox.ac.uk

Key links