Real-World Impact of Climate Litigation
Applications are invited for up to three positions of Research Assistant(s) or Post-Doctoral Fellow(s) for a research project aimed at assessing the real-world effects of courtroom victories in climate litigation. The project is funded by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council and implemented by Professor Zhang Hao at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Professor Benoit Mayer at the University of Reading. The project will consist in a series of case studies seeking to determine how courtroom victories affect greenhouse gas emissions, building on the methodology developed in Benoit Mayer, ‘The Contribution of Urgenda to the Mitigation of Climate Change’ (2023) 35(2) Journal of Environmental Law 167–184.
The appointee will conduct various research-related activities under the supervision of the project leaders. For instance, they will help the project leaders to identify the potential effects of judicial decisions on political or business decisions; to assess the economic impact of these decisions; and to estimate, as far as possible, the effect on greenhouse gas emissions. They may be tasked with collecting and analysing qualitative and quantitative information, draft publications, organize academic events, and present research at international conferences.
The successful applicant(s) are expected to start no later than October 2025. They will work on a full time basis for at least 12 months, and possibly until the end of 2026. The positions will be based at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, although candidates will be able to work from home most of the time. The remuneration will be competitive and commensurate with qualification and experience. As a general indication, a full-time research assistant (with a Master’s degree but no professional experience) would likely be paid HKD 28,000 per month.
The candidates must have the following qualifications:
- At least a Master’s level university degree in law, political science, public policy, economics, or a related discipline,
- Strong research skills,
- Detailed-oriented and dependable,
- Interest in climate law or policy.
Desirable qualifications include:
- A PhD in any of the above-mentioned disciplines,
- Interdisciplinary background,
- Relevant research experience,
- Familiarity with relevant developments, including GHG emission accounting methodologies.
We are particularly looking for candidates who can show intellectual curiosity, perseverance, and are able to work reliably with minimal supervision.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until 30 June 2025. Applicants should send (1) a cover letter explaining how they fulfil the above-mentioned qualifications and why they are interested in the position and (2) a CV, to Professor Zhang Hao ([email protected]) and Professor Benoit Mayer at ([email protected]).
For more details, refer here
