Research Associate 'Watts Right' Project

Based at University of York campus (with some remote working options available)

The ‘Watts Right?’ Project is a collaboration between the School of Business and Society and the Department of Environment and Geography to explore the shifting nature of public sentiment on Net Zero and clean energy policy. The politics of net zero and clean energy in the UK has changed. The cross-party consensus on climate action broke down in 2025 and political positions on Net Zero have polarised. At York, Dr Stephen Hall (SBS/DEG) is leading the ‘Watts Right?’ project along with Prof Carolyn Snell (SBS). The project is an academic investigation into how members of the voting public, specifically on the political right, are experiencing net zero, clean energy, and climate policies in their lives. The project asks who has been left behind in climate policy to date, and how the framing of clean energy policy intersects with the daily lives of right of centre voters. Watts Right is funded by the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) and is delivered in collaboration with the University of Leeds. The successful candidate will be joining a wider group of energy researchers in the UK tackling live challenges in the energy transition.

Role

We are looking for an outstanding researcher to deliver an exciting series of both qualitative and quantitative engagements designed to better understand the experiences, opinions and expectations of clean energy amongst people who are currently considering voting for right of centre political parties in the UK. The successful candidate will conduct research on the Watts Right? project under the supervision of Hall and Snell and will contribute to the production of research outputs. The role includes recruiting participants to longitudinal qualitative research, which will include: developing photographic diaries, undertaking deep semi-structured interviews, and analysing political and policy attitudes to energy and climate action. The successful applicant will be able to work effectively across a diverse range of political and social contexts.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

The essential requirements for this role include an undergraduate degree alongside a PhD (close to completion or equivalent experience) in energy or climate politics, policy, or public engagement. Candidates should possess knowledge of climate/energy politics, public opinion, and public-facing qualitative research techniques, complemented by strong written and oral communication skills for publishing research, presenting at conferences, drafting proposals, and securing funding. Essential experience includes delivering independent and collaborative research, publishing academic work, and demonstrating personal attributes such as attention to detail, a collaborative and proactive ethos, strong workload prioritisation, and enthusiasm for the project's focus. Desirable assets include knowledge of domestic clean energy policy and experimental survey design, as well as practical experience in participant recruitment, ethical data management, public engagement in climate initiatives, and innovative qualitative methods centred on lived experience.

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: please contact Dr Steve Hall: steve.hall@york.ac.uk

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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