Post Doctoral Research Associate in the Economics of Technological Change Full-time NEW

Post Doctoral Research Associate in the Economics of Technological Change

The University of Oxford is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to the Oxford Martin Programme on Forecasting Technological Change. Led by Dr François Lafond, Professor J. Doyne Farmer and Professor Max Roser, the programme aims to improve understanding of how technologies develop, diffuse and evolve, with a particular focus on the net zero transition and artificial intelligence.

Working within the Complexity Economics research group at the Institute for New Economic Thinking (INET), you will contribute to the development of a comprehensive database on technological progress and undertake quantitative research examining the drivers of technological change. The research will explore how technological characteristics influence innovation and diffusion, whether rates of technological progress can be predicted, and how declining costs and increasing adoption interact.

The role combines independent research, quantitative analysis and research project management. You will lead the preparation of peer-reviewed publications, develop and apply research methodologies, analyse complex datasets, and contribute to research proposals and funding applications. You will also coordinate and supervise a small team of part-time research assistants and collaborate with researchers across disciplines and partner institutions.

We are seeking a candidate who holds a PhD/DPhil or be close to completion in a relevant discipline, with strong quantitative and statistical skills, programming experience, and knowledge of complex systems science and/or advanced forecasting techniques. You should have an understanding of the economics of innovation, net zero technologies and/or artificial intelligence, including experience with sophisticated applications of large language models. Previous contributions to publications in leading academic journals, excellent communication skills and the ability to manage research activities are essential.

The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research environment as both a member of INET's Complexity Economics research group and an Oxford Martin Fellow, with opportunities to contribute to research on the future of technological development.

This position offers an opportunity to advance quantitative research on technological change and contribute to new approaches for forecasting developments in clean technologies and artificial intelligence.

This post is offered on a full time, fixed-term basis for 2 years from start date.

What We Offer

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

Application Process

You will be required to upload a covering letter with a supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application. In your supporting statement, please explain how you meet each of the selection criteria found in the job description, and why you would like to do this role. See guidance at https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/cv-and-supporting-statement.

Any technical questions related to this vacancy can be sent to: recruit@ouce.ox.ac.uk

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon (UK time) on 27 November 2026. Only applications submitted by this time will be considered.

The University of Oxford and The School of Geography and the Environment are Silver Athena SWAN holders. Applications are particularly welcome and encouraged from women, black, and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in posts in The School of Geography and the Environment. The School of Geography and the Environment are committed to equality and values diversity.