Researcher (Environment & Net Zero)

Do you believe the economy can be changed to serve people and planet? Are you passionate about bold ideas, environmental justice and sustainability? Do you want to take the next step in your research career, leading projects and shaping policy? If so, we d love to hear from you.

For 40 years, NEF has turned big ideas, rigorous research and community power into real-world change. At this critical moment in politics, we re looking for a Researcher (Environment & Net Zero) to join our economy and environment team.

Working with a talented group of economists and researchers, you will design, manage and deliver high-quality research projects across energy, climate, transport and wider decarbonisation. You ll create datasets, carry out quantitative and qualitative analysis, and develop policy proposals that are creative, evidence-based and workable. You ll also contribute to consultancy commissions, support fundraising bids, and represent NEF externally in meetings, media and public platforms such as blogs, podcasts and videos.

We re looking for someone with a degree (or equivalent experience) in environmental economics, climate change, sustainability, public policy or a related field; strong research and quantitative skills (Excel and ideally Stata, R or Python); excellent writing and communication ability, and 3 5 years of relevant experience. Just as important is curiosity, creativity, good organisation, and a commitment to building a fairer, greener economy.

Role: Researcher (Environment & Net Zero)
Hours of work: Full Time (32 hours per week under NEF s Shorter Working Week)
Salary range: £42,868 - £45,850
Location: London/South East (in-office minimum two days per week)
Contract type: Permanent

How to apply

Deadline for applications: midnight, 28th September2025
Interviews: w/c 6th October 2025
Start date: ASAP

To apply, please send your CV and responses (in Word format) to the following three questions:

1. Tell us about one piece of environmental or economic research that has influenced your thinking. What did you take away from it, and how would you apply it to NEF s work? (200 words max)
2. Share an example of when you disagreed with a policy position or research conclusion. How did you approach it, and what did you learn? (200 words max)
3. Describe a dataset you have worked with (academic, work-based, or self-initiated). What question did you investigate, and how did you approach the analysis? (250 words max)

Please also complete the Equality and Diversity monitoring form.

You must be eligible to work in the UK, as we are unable to sponsor visas.

NEF is committed to equal opportunities, and we particularly welcome applications from people under-represented in research and policy including Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates; disabled people; LGBTQIA candidates; people with mental health conditions; and those from working class backgrounds. We also strongly encourage applications from anyone who is prepared to learn and grow on the job, and stress that past think tank experience is not required.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.