Impact Fellow in Green Future Solutions – Exeter

About the Fellowship

The University of Exeter is recruiting an Impact Fellow in Green Future Solutions with a focus on Earth, Climate, and Biodiversity Systems. This full-time, permanent post forms part of Exeter’s flagship Green Futures Solutions initiative, which translates world-class environmental research into actionable solutions for climate, nature, and business. Fellows will be based at the Global Systems Institute, working alongside leading researchers including Professor Peter Cox, and contributing to interdisciplinary projects that connect science, innovation, and policy. The role offers the chance to shape real-world impact, build partnerships with external stakeholders, and support a transformative agenda that advances sustainability transitions regionally and globally.

Fellowship / Details

Position Title: Impact Fellow in Green Future Solutions (Earth, Climate, Biodiversity)
Host Institution: University of Exeter
Administering Body / Funding Agency: University of Exeter
Location: Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom (Hybrid)
Research Field(s): Earth Systems, Climate Science, Biodiversity, Environmental Sustainability, Interdisciplinary Policy and Business Applications
Fellowship Type: Full-time Research Fellowship (Permanent Position)
Level: Early- to Mid-career Researchers / Applied Research Specialists
Fellowship Duration: Permanent
Expected Start Date: Immediate (2025)
Working Hours: 36.5 hours per week
Funding/Compensation: Salary from £43,482 (Grade F), depending on qualifications and experience
Required Degree/Diploma: PhD in Earth/Climate Systems, Environmental Science, Biodiversity, or related disciplines

Supported Research Fields / Areas

Earth System Science
Climate Change and Adaptation
Biodiversity and Nature-based Solutions
Sustainability and Environmental Policy
Interdisciplinary Research across Climate, Nature, and Business

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

PhD (or equivalent practitioner or policy experience) in a relevant field
Evidence of ability to work across disciplines and with external stakeholders
Commitment to applied research and delivering impact

Preferred Qualifications:

Strong record of publications or equivalent applied research outputs
Experience in business, policy, or practitioner environments
Ability to design bespoke and scalable solutions for non-academic partners

Not Eligible:
Candidates without either a research background or applied/practitioner experience in Earth, Climate, or Biodiversity Systems

Fellowship/Job Benefits

Monthly salary from £43,482 (Grade F)
Generous holiday allowance and flexible working
Pension scheme and relocation package (if applicable)
Access to Exeter’s research, innovation, and professional development support
Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across the Global Systems Institute

Key Responsibilities

Design and deliver integrated environmental solutions for business, policy, and societal needs
Collaborate with researchers, innovation staff, and external partners to drive impact
Lead on Earth, Climate, and Biodiversity Systems research within Green Futures Solutions
Develop bespoke and “off-the-shelf” services for external clients
Contribute to research publications, partnerships, and service growth opportunities