The University of Leeds is recruiting three postdoctoral researchers and two fully funded PhD students to join the ERC-funded Global Methane Politics (METH-POL) project, led by Professor Jan Selby in the School of Politics and International Studies. This interdisciplinary project investigates the political dynamics and challenges of methane emissions and reduction efforts across five major sectors: livestock, oil and gas, solid waste, coal, and wastewater. The research adopts a political ecology approach and will use qualitative methods such as documentary analysis, interviews, and observations, with fieldwork spanning more than a dozen countries worldwide.

The three postdoctoral positions (each for three years) will focus on the methane politics of livestock, oil and gas, and solid waste, respectively. The two PhD positions (3.5 years, starting October 2026) will focus on the politics of coal methane and wastewater methane. Both PhD scholarships cover full tuition (UK or international) and a maintenance stipend at UKRI rates (£20,780 in 2025/26), with all project-related fieldwork and conference travel fully funded. The successful PhD candidates will join a dynamic, international team and will be encouraged to shape their research projects within the overall framework of METH-POL. They will receive training, participate in group learning, and collaborate closely with other team members, including the PI, postdoctoral fellows, and project administrator.

Applicants for the PhD positions should have a strong interest in climate and environmental politics and are likely to have studied Politics, International Relations, Geography, Environmental Studies, or a related social science discipline. Selection criteria include academic record, relevant experience, research proposal quality, fit with project aims, language and cultural competence for fieldwork, and teamwork skills. Candidates who already hold or are registered for a PhD are not eligible. Applicants must reside within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds during the scholarship. International relocation expenses are not covered.

Both PhD projects will be lead-supervised by Professor Jan Selby, with Professor Barbara Evans serving as secondary supervisor for the wastewater methane project. The postdoctoral positions offer standard University of Leeds employment benefits, including generous holiday, pension, and access to campus facilities.

To apply for the PhD positions, candidates must submit a formal application via the University of Leeds website, selecting 'PhD Politics and International Studies Full-time' and specifying 'Global Methane Politics' and Professor Jan Selby as supervisor. A personal statement outlining interest in the project and relevant skills is required. For postdoctoral positions, apply via the job posting link. The application deadline for all positions is 15 February 2026, with a start date of 1 October 2026.

This is an excellent opportunity for early-career researchers interested in environmental science, political science, and international relations to contribute to cutting-edge research on methane and climate change in a supportive, interdisciplinary environment at a leading UK university.