Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow in Sustainable Investment

Faculty of Environment, Science & Economy

The above full-time post is available for a fixed term of 18 months from the 1st March 2023 to 31st August 2024.

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.

Previous applicants need not apply. 

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

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). The University of Exeter Business School is a triple-accredited international business school and ranks the 9th in the UK for the quality of Business and Management research (2021 Research Excellence Framework).

Our research and teaching impact the most fundamental challenges facing the world today – environmental and sustainability, responsible leadership, and technological transformation. We are a learning community of staff, students and alumni that celebrates Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

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.

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