University of Exeter

Position Title/Short Description

Full Text of JOE Listing:

This full-time post is available from January 2023 on a fixed term basis for two years.

The post:
The College wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the work of Professor Ben Groom, the Dragon Capital Chair in Biodiversity Economics. The successful applicant will contribute to the objectives of the Dragon Capital Chair the broad purpose of which is to generate an evidence base on what policies and interventions work to reverse nature loss and biodiversity decline and to ensure that biodiversity is taken into consideration by governments, investors and consumers in general, but also in relation to climate change mitigation policy.

This post will focus on sustainable and green finance, in particular the interface between finance and nature/biodiversity. Research will be undertaken on the extent to which instruments and mechanisms can be developed to allow the financial sector to more fully reflect the impact that corporate and other investment decisions have on nature, biodiversity and ecosystem services. The post requires someone interested in investigating the efficacy of financial instruments and mechanisms: ESG ratings, disclosure mechanisms, impact investment and related policies and instruments, in reorientating capital away from activities that are harmful to nature and biodiversity towards those which promote biodiversity. This may involve analysis of individual sectors, funds and portfolios, and supply chains, or disclosure mechanisms like the Taskforce for Nature Related Financial Disclosures, among the many initiatives currently emerging on this topic. Empirical, experimental and/or theoretical approaches are anticipated in addressing the above research theme.

Other opportunities associated with the post include contributing to the work of the UK Treasury Biodiversity Working Group, the BIOECON network (www.bioecon-network.com) and its annual conference and the Centre for Sustainable Finance in the Finance department of the University of Exeter Business school. The post also anticipates working with the NERC/UKRI RENEW project on the aforementioned issues in finance and biodiversity.

About you:
The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or be nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. Applicants should have some or all of the following skills:

• Strong background in econometrics and applied economic theory;
• Experience in sustainable finance, climate finance or related areas;
• Background in environmental and resource economics
• Knowledge of, or training in finance/financial economics;
• An ability to work with interdisciplinary teams on issues concerning the environment, natural capital, ecosystem services and biodiversity.

For further information please contact Professor Ben Groom, B.D.Groom@exeter.ac.uk.