Postdoctoral Research Fellow Positions on Climate Loss and Damage in the Pacific 2026: Five-Year Research Opportunity for Environmental Social Scientists

Applications are now open for two prestigious Postdoctoral Research Fellow positions linked to a flagship ARC Industry Laureate Fellowship focused on climate-driven loss and damage in the Pacific region.

These rare five-year research-focused roles provide an exceptional opportunity for scholars interested in climate change, environmental social science, Pacific governance, cultural continuity, and community-based research. The positions are deeply grounded in reciprocal partnerships with communities and policy stakeholders across the Pacific, particularly in the Cook Islands, Fiji, and Vanuatu.

The fellowship initiative places strong emphasis on ethical, relational, and locally led research approaches while addressing some of the most urgent climate-related challenges facing Pacific communities today.

Researchers passionate about applied research, policy impact, and community engagement are strongly encouraged to apply before the deadline.

About the Research Fellowship Opportunity

The positions are part of a major ARC Industry Laureate Fellowship programme focused on climate-driven loss and damage in Pacific Island communities.

The research initiative seeks to better understand and respond to the social, cultural, and non-economic impacts of climate change across the Pacific region.

Unlike many traditional academic roles, these fellowships are highly applied and community-embedded, prioritizing partnerships with local communities and organizations while ensuring that research outputs contribute directly to policy and practice.

The programme emphasizes:

• Reciprocal partnerships
• Community-led responses
• Ethical research engagement
• Policy translation
• Cultural continuity
• Non-economic climate loss and damage
• Locally grounded knowledge systems

Number of Positions Available

The programme is recruiting:

• Two Postdoctoral Research Fellows

These positions are considered rare long-term opportunities due to their five-year duration and strong research focus.

Fellowship Duration

Successful applicants will receive:

• Five-year research appointments

This extended timeframe allows fellows to engage deeply with communities, build long-term relationships, and contribute meaningfully to research and policy outcomes.

Research Focus Areas

The fellowship focuses on climate-driven loss and damage in Pacific Island contexts.

Key thematic areas include:

1. Non-Economic Climate Losses

Research may explore impacts that go beyond financial or material damages, including:

• Loss of cultural heritage
• Displacement impacts
• Community identity
• Traditional knowledge systems
• Spiritual and emotional dimensions of climate change

2. Cultural Continuity

The programme emphasizes the importance of preserving and supporting cultural continuity in communities affected by climate change.

3. Community-Led Climate Responses

The fellowship values locally driven adaptation and resilience strategies developed in collaboration with Pacific communities.

4. Policy and Practice Translation

Researchers will contribute to translating research findings into practical policy recommendations and community-focused outcomes.

Countries and Regional Focus

The fellowship work is closely connected to communities and partners in:

• Cook Islands
• Fiji
• Vanuatu

The broader research context is centered on the Pacific region and Pacific Island communities.

Type of Research Environment

This opportunity is distinct because of its values-led and relational approach to research.

The work is:

• Community-embedded
• Collaborative
• Applied
• Interdisciplinary
• Ethically grounded
• Policy-oriented

Researchers will work alongside:

• Communities
• Policy partners
• Practice organizations
• Regional stakeholders
• Governance actors

Who Should Apply?

The programme is particularly interested in scholars working in:

• Environmental Social Science
• Climate Change Studies
• Human Geography
• Development Studies
• Anthropology
• Sociology
• Environmental Governance
• Pacific Studies
• Indigenous Studies
• Community Development
• Related interdisciplinary fields

Applicants with experience in ethical and relational research practice are especially encouraged to apply.

Strong Encouragement for Pacific Islander Scholars

The programme strongly encourages applications from:

• Pacific Islander scholars
• Researchers deeply connected to Pacific communities
• Scholars with expertise in Pacific governance and local contexts

This emphasis reflects the programme’s commitment to locally grounded and community-centered research approaches.

Desired Experience and Skills

Ideal candidates are likely to have:

• Experience working closely with communities
• Strong qualitative and interdisciplinary research skills
• Interest in climate policy and applied research
• Ability to engage in ethical and relational research practices
• Experience translating research into policy and practice
• Knowledge of Pacific governance or community contexts
• Willingness to undertake extended in-country engagement in Pacific communities

Why This Opportunity Matters

Climate-driven loss and damage is one of the most urgent issues facing Pacific Island nations.

Many communities are already experiencing:

• Rising sea levels
• Coastal erosion
• Cultural displacement
• Threats to livelihoods
• Environmental degradation
• Loss of heritage and identity

This fellowship programme seeks to support research that is not only academically rigorous but also meaningful, practical, and directly beneficial to affected communities.

The initiative recognizes that climate change is not only an environmental challenge but also a cultural, social, and governance issue requiring collaborative and locally informed solutions.

Benefits of the Fellowship

1. Long-Term Research Stability

The five-year duration provides rare long-term academic and professional stability.

2. Meaningful Community Engagement

Researchers will build authentic partnerships with Pacific communities and organizations.

3. Policy Impact Opportunities

The programme emphasizes translating research into actionable policy and practice.

4. International and Regional Collaboration

Fellows will work with a consortium of partners across the Pacific region.

5. Applied and Purpose-Driven Research

The opportunity allows researchers to contribute directly to climate resilience and community wellbeing.

Application Deadline

Applications for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow positions close on:

21 May 2026

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early and carefully review the full position description before submitting their applications.

Click here for more and to apply

Final Thoughts

These Postdoctoral Research Fellow positions represent an exceptional opportunity for scholars committed to ethical, community-centered climate research in the Pacific.

With a strong focus on cultural continuity, non-economic climate losses, and locally led responses, the programme offers a rare chance to conduct impactful research while building meaningful partnerships with Pacific communities.

Researchers interested in climate justice, environmental social science, Pacific governance, and applied policy work should strongly consider applying before the deadline.

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