Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow in Sustainable Investment

Updated: over 1 year ago
Location: Exeter, ENGLAND
Deadline: 12 Sep 2022

Faculty of Environment, Science & Economy

The above full-time post is available immediately for a fixed term of two years.

The post

The University of Exeter Business School wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow to undertake research under the newly created Royal Bank of Canada’s (RBC) Global Asset Management Sustainable Investment Research Programme at the Exeter Sustainable Finance Centre. The successful applicant will contribute to the objectives of the RBC Global Asset Management Sustainable Investment Research Programme with a view to better understanding the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risk exposures of companies and the opportunities for more sustainable and responsible investment decisions in the future.

The post will undertake research on the interface of finance and sustainability and on how climate risk and aspects of ESG affect investment returns and the risk-return trade-off. The post will routinely communicate complex ideas and the results of scientific research to key stakeholders and incorporate insights from practitioners into scientific research. The post will also contribute to the research agenda and activities of Exeter Sustainable Finance Centre.

About you

The successful applicant will be able to undertake cutting-edge research, work effectively with research teams, communicate complex information to key stakeholders, and coordinate and implement research programme activity.

Applicants for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow will possess a PhD degree in a related field of study. For those wishing to apply for the Postdoctoral Research Associate post, a PhD degree nearing completion is required. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively and should have some or all of the following skills:

  • Background in or knowledge of financial economics and in particular asset pricing and investments.
  • Strong background in empirical finance and applied econometrics. Knowledge of financial databases and related programming languages.
  • Knowledge of sustainable finance, climate finance, socially responsible investment, or related.
  • An ability to present information on research progress and outcomes, incorporate insights from key stakeholders, communicate complex information orally, in writing and electronically, and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Please ensure you read the Job Description for full details and make it clear in your application which position you wish to apply for.

What we can offer you

  • Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
  • Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
  • An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
  • Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career
  • A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a new Fertility Treatment Policy
  • A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 and QS World University Ranking 2022). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2017.

Our research income in recent years means we’re the fastest growing UK Research University with some of the world’s most influential scientists, and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today through this. 98% of our research is of international quality (2014 Research Excellence Framework). We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures  and how we are transforming education  for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

With over 27,000 students and 6,400 staff from 180 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Additional Information

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Professor Chendi Zhang, Director of Exeter Sustainable Finance Centre, by email [email protected]



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