[OPEN] MACC Hub: Policy work call for applications

We’re hiring

The Maximising UK Adaptation to Climate Change Hub is advertising for three positions as part of its policy work, which aims to provide the evidence the UK government requires to advance adaptation policy.  

The submission deadline is 23:59 on 22 June 2026. Interviews will take place in early July, with the expectation that the successful candidate will be in role as soon as possible afterwards. 

About the Hub

The Maximising UK Adaptation to Climate Change (MACC) Hub works across the UK to implement and build crucial evidence on the efficacy of adaptation policy and interventions. The Hub is led by King’s College London and is funded by Defra and UKRI. Through its policy response work, the Hub is working closely with Defra as well as other UK Government departments to provide timely and targeted evidence and support in direct response to policy needs. 

About the Policy Response Unit and Objective Setting Support

The Policy Response Unit (PRU) of the MACC Hub responds directly to policy questions from the UK Government, in consultation with the Devolved Administrations. It provides timely and targeted advice to government departments responsible to responding to risks identified through the Climate Change Risk Assessment process. The research has been requested directly by these teams across government to inform their adaptation actions under third National Adaptation Programme.  

​​Objective Setting Support: The fourth National Adaptation Programme (NAP4) is due to be published in 2028. To drive greater action and ambition, Defra is working across government to set adaptation objectives. Defra is looking to support teams across government to use the existing evidence base to formulate objectives to cover the14 adaptation systems set out in CCRA4. The work includes scoping objectives; testing and revising objectives using evidence and working with delivery partners and stakeholders, and finally, developing delivery plans and indicators.  To support this process, the Maximising UK Adaptation to Climate Change (MACC) Hub is working with teams across government. From May 2026 to March 2027, the MACC Hub will conduct evidence gathering, synthesis, and analysis required by UK Government teams in developing robust climate adaptation objectives and provide knowledge and tools. In addition to translating and synthesising existing evidence, the MACC Hub will convene stakeholders to provide expert input to the process.   

About the roles

To support this work, the MACC Hub is seeking to fill three fixed-term positions across the following areas: 

PRU: Researcher – Water 

• 8-month fixed term position 

• Lead two consecutive projects to respond to identified policy needs on the public health risks posed by flooding and drought to private water supplies in Wales and how to respond; and a review of international approaches to water abstraction monitoring.  

• Click here to see the job description and apply 

PRU: Researcher – Industry 

• 8-month fixed term position 

• Lead two consecutive projects to respond to identified policy needs on workforce adaptations to support labour market resilience to climate risks; and assessing industrial sector climate vulnerabilities. 

• Click here to see the job description and apply 

Objective setting support: Knowledge Exchange Manager

• 9-month fixed term contract 

• Act as a ‘knowledge broker’ to design and deliver evidence sharing and exchange activities with policy teams 

• Click here to see the job description and apply 

Deadline and application details

The submission deadline is 23:59 on 22 June 2026. Interviews will take place in early July, with the expectation that the successful candidate will be in role as soon as possible afterwards. 

Equity is central to the MACC Hub and the funding call, and we encourage applications from early career researchers, groups under-represented in the climate change adaptation field, and those with non-traditional career paths. We are happy to discuss alternative working patterns with the successful candidate.   

Please email any questions or queries to MOSS@kcl.ac.uk