Postdoctoral Associate in Climate Economics and Urban Resilience
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Climate Economics and Urban Resilience The lab of Yichun Fan, Assistant Professor of Climate Economics at the Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join its research group starting in Fall 2026. The lab focuses broadly on the Economics of Climate Adaptation, with a particular emphasis on Urban Resilience to Climate Risks.
Current research themes include:
• Adaptation of People: Leveraging big data and computational methods to analyze adaptation behaviors and incorporate its costs and benefits into climate impact assessments.
• Adaptation of Places: Partnering with natural scientists and engineers to conduct economic analyses of climate-resilient infrastructure that inform urban planning and public investment decisions.
• Adaptation Finance: Examining how insurance markets and public finance mechanisms influence the efficiency and equity of climate adaptation efforts.
Key Responsibilities
• Conduct original economic and interdisciplinary research in the themes above.
• Collaborate with internal and external research partners.
• Contribute to grant application and the development of competitive research proposals.
• Provide mentorship to graduate and undergraduate students in the lab.
Required Qualifications
• A Ph.D. in environmental economics, urban economics, public policy, urban planning, data science, environmental science, or a related field.
• Strong quantitative skills in applied economic analysis (e.g., causal inference, econometrics, spatial equilibrium modeling).
• Experience working with large-scale datasets and interdisciplinary research.
• Demonstrated research productivity in relevant areas (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, working papers).
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership abilities.
Work Location and Term
This position is based at the Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, in Durham, North Carolina. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal.
Application Requirements
• Cover Letter
• CV
• Job Market Paper (or Recent Publication)
• Three Current Reference Letters
Review of applications will begin on November 15, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. Decisions will be made no later than April 2026.
Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
To apply, visit: https://apptrkr.com/6712764
To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/6712764. (See posting for details.)