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Location
University of Warwick Campus, Coventry
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Department
Warwick Business School
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Position Type
Fixed Term
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Duration
Fixed-term contract for 4 months
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Salary
£35,608 to £46,049 per annum
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About the Role
Informal Queries
For informal queries, please contact Katharina Dittrich, Associate Professor, at
[email protected].
Flexible Working
We will consider applications for employment on a part-time basis (minimum 0.5 FTE).
Capital allocation is a powerful way of distributing agency – both diverting and directing it. The consequences of this feature of financial markets have never been limited to only direct market participants but, of course, stretch out into virtually all spheres of societies and environments. To a large extent, the global climate crisis is one of these consequences. This research project looks at the various finance-focused programmes that are currently pursued to manage the climate crisis as leveraging this feature of financial markets to redistribute – purposefully divert and direct – agency towards more sustainable economies and societies. These programmes could be described, in other words, as attempts to ‘financially re-design’ the Anthropocene.
This seven-year academic research project (2021 – 2028), funded by the UK Research and Innovation Council through two consecutive grants, aims at tracing these attempts by focusing on one core challenge: the production of actionable data and analytics for climate risks and alignment targets which enable climate risk and impact management practices in the financial industry. Specifically, we are interested in how the proposed tools, data and manuals are actually implemented, used and combined in financial every-day practices.
Following a qualitative research approach using interviews and observations, a team of five researchers traced in real-time over the course of three years (Jan 2021 – Dec 2023) how different organisations respond to and engage with climate-related financial risks and alignment targets through deploying and employing climate tools, data and practices. The organisations we worked with included a large multi-national insurance company, a global asset manager, a multi-national bank, a leading provider of climate data and analytics, an open-source analytics platform, one of the largest international investor networks, and an international NGO. Geographically, the project was focused on the UK and Europe. More information about the research methodology can be found here.
The current phase of the project focuses on analysing the existing data set and writing up the findings for publication in top journals. In the mid-term future, impact strategies will be developed based on the project findings and implemented by collaborating with stakeholders, such as civil society organisations, NGOs or policymakers.
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About You
You will have A PhD degree in Management/ Organisation Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, Human Geography or related disciplines (or you will shortly be obtaining it).
Have proven experience in qualitative research methods, especially qualitative data analysis and use of qualitative data analysis software and a back ground in Practice-theoretical approaches, and/ or Science and Technology Studies (STS) and/ or Political Theory and/ or related research communities.
As part of the project you will:
Analyse the existing data set (interviews, observations, documents) with regards to specific conceptual foci, e.g., temporality, knowledge production, epistemic power, or specific topics, e.g., particular types of climate-related metrics. Analysis will be carried out collaboratively by using a qualitative analysis software, such as, Nvivo or Atlas.ti.
Write up findings for publication in top journals in collaboration with the PI and possibly other (former) team members involved in data collection.
Participate in regular face-to-face or virtual team meetings to share insights from data analysis and write-up.
Attend and present research findings and papers at academic conferences, and contribute to the external visibility of the team and the department.
If time permits, contribute your insights and expertise to devise impact activities aimed at disseminating research findings and engaging stakeholders to turn project insights into actionable strategies.
You will also:
Engage in continuous professional development, in particular with regards to skills required to deliver the project, such as data analysis, the responsible use of AI and writing up findings for publication.
Contribute to the management of the project, through documenting the analysis and engaging in regular reviews.
Ensure compliance with ethical and secure handling of data and health and safety in all aspects of work.
For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the
PhD Status
If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum).
Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).
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About the Department
Warwick Business School (WBS) is a place where big ideas meet real impact. We’re part of a world-class university, but we’re more than just our reputation. For nearly 60 years, we’ve been helping people turn ambition into action, equipping them to make a real difference in the world.
Please view our online brochure, specifically created for candidates, to gain further insight into working at Warwick Business School.
About Us
We were the first UK business school to achieve triple accreditation (EQUIS, AMBA, AACSB), and our programmes consistently rank among the best - view all of our rankings here.
But what really sets us apart is how it feels to be here. We’re down to earth, collaborative, and proud to create a place where staff, students and alumni feel at home. We want your time here to be as inspiring as it is rewarding, with the support, trust, and opportunities you need to grow both professionally and personally.
Our Vision
The world needs smart ideas, and the leaders who can bring them to life. Those ideas only matter if they can be put into practice. Our vision is simple: to shape the people and ideas that will define what comes next and ensure they have everything they need to make it happen.
Everything we do is underpinned by our CORE values and fuelled by a Change Maker mindset. We look for this shared commitment in everyone who joins our community. We nurture that mindset every day by creating a workplace where curiosity is encouraged, ideas are shared openly, and everyone has the chance to turn bold thinking into meaningful action.
Change Makers
See the bigger picture. They think beyond themselves, seek out different perspectives, and consider the ripple effect of their actions.
Challenge the norm. They question the status quo and look for better ways to make a difference.
Have the drive to deliver. They don’t just imagine change; they put in the work to make it happen.
Our CORE Values
Curiosity. We challenge, explore, and create to build a better future.
Openness. We welcome ideas, feedback, and change to keep moving forward.
Restlessness. We’re never content to stand still; we keep striving for more.
Excellence. We hold ourselves to the highest standards in everything we do.
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About the University
We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 74th in the world and 9th in the UK.* Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.**
Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.
- World University Ranking 2026, Complete University Guide 2026
** Research Excellence Framework 2021
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How to Apply
Closing Deadline: Monday 31 August 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)*
To apply, please click APPLY below and submit an application form by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include two attachments:
CV
Cover Letter
These should:
Outline employment and education history (including your most recent employment).
Demonstrate how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the /*generated inline style */
Right to Work in the UK
If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please follow this link which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK.
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