Research Assistant (Fixed Term)

Job description

The Cambridge Centre for Carbon Credits (4C) develops scientific methods to assess the climate and biodiversity benefits of conservation and direct climate finance towards effective action to protect nature. Our work combines ecological research, quantitative analysis and digital tools to improve the evidence underpinning carbon markets.

We are seeking a technically capable graduate with strong analytical and programming skills and an ability to communicate clearly. This is an opportunity to contribute to applied research at the interface of conservation science, climate change and carbon markets.

Working closely with the Scientific Lead, Dr Tom Swinfield, you will support the development and application of 4C's analytical methods for evaluating nature-based climate and biodiversity benefits. Your focus will be on preparing and analysing data, developing and testing code, and interpreting and communicating results. You will also support Haven - an initiative to strengthen the scientific integrity of forest carbon credits - by coordinating scientific input with our industry partners and the Haven Scientific Council to support the adoption of best practice methods. Finally, you will contribute to our external communications, by producing blog posts and other accessible accounts of our research. We are looking for someone who enjoys working with data and can explain scientific findings clearly, including their uncertainties and limitations.

Key Responsibilities:

Support the development, testing and application of analytical methods to evaluate the climate and biodiversity benefits of forest conservation.

Prepare, manage and analyse environmental datasets, including spatial data, using R and/or Python, using well-documented and reproducible code and workflows.

Support the ongoing work of the Haven Scientific Council through targeted evidence reviews, briefing materials and coordination of scientific feedback.

Contribute to external communications, including blog posts and research updates, translating scientific findings into clear and accurate material for different audiences.

Collaborate with researchers and partner organisations to support the delivery of 4C's research and evaluations.

For more information, please refer to the Further Particulars document.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for up to 6 months. Preferred start date for the role is December 2026.

The closing date for applications is midnight (GMT) on 8 November 2026. The interview for this role is expected to take place during the week commencing Monday, 23 November 2026 (subject to change) and may be conducted remotely in exceptional circumstances.

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.

Flexible working requests (such as part-time) will be considered.

The postholder will be based in the David Attenborough Building in Cambridge and will be expected to work on site at least three days per week.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

For informal enquiries about the role, please contact Dr Tom Swinfield [email: [email protected] ].

For any queries regarding the application process, please contact the Zoology HR Office [email: [email protected] ]

Please quote reference PF51406 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.