Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time (1 FTE), 12-month fixed term position as a Postdoctoral Researcher/Research Associate in Economics at the University of Galway, Ireland.

This position is available through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s funded project ‘Low-Emission and Equitable Transport Strategies: Grant system Optimisation’ (LETSGO) and is available from August 1st 2026 for 12 months.

Project Description:

Low-Emission and Equitable Transport Strategies: Grant system Optimisation (LETSGO) is a 1-year applied research project that aims to provide evidence to accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) in Ireland while ensuring a fair and inclusive transition to low-carbon transport.

The project combines three core strands of research:

• An international comparative review of EV and transport decarbonisation policies
• Behavioural survey experiments examining perceptions of fairness and effectiveness in alternative EV grant systems
• Development of a national-scale microsimulation model to estimate the impact of alternative grant designs on EV uptake

By integrating behavioural insights directly into policy modelling, LETSGO will produce evidence-based recommendations for effective and equitable incentives for EV uptake. The project will also investigate the role of complementary measures to reduce transport emissions, such as road pricing and subsidising modal shift. Project outputs will support delivery of Ireland’s Climate Action Plan and contribute to research on equitable and socially inclusive climate policy transitions.

The successful candidate will join a growing interdisciplinary research environment focused on climate policy, microsimulation, behavioural public policy, and sustainability transitions. The project offers opportunities for academic publication, policy engagement, and collaboration with national stakeholders.

Salary: Postdoctoral Researcher/Research Associate salary scale €46,805 - €59,654 per annum, (subject to the project’s funding limitations).

Closing date for receipt of applications is 17:00 (Irish Time) on 30th June 2026.  It will not be possible to consider applications received after the closing date.