The MIT Sustainable Urbanization Lab (MIT/SUL), within the MIT Center for Real Estate, has an immediate
opening for a Postdoctoral Associate in the area of urban sustainability. The term of this position is for up
to 2 years, with the potential to extend the appointment. Terms and start dates are negotiable.
Overview:
The goal of the appointment is to provide experiences and opportunities that will help the selected
candidate launch a successful academic career. The position includes teaching opportunities in the field
of urban economics, real estate and environmental economics. We encourage applications from
candidates whose research focuses on the broader consequences of climate change and air pollution on
individual behavior, performance and health, and the implications for urban economy and real estate.
The selection criteria will place emphasis on top-level research and scholarship. We are particularly
interested in applicants who can demonstrate the potential for research in the intersection between social
science (economics and/or psychology) and computational science.
The successful candidate will work in the research area of environmental sustainability, using a
combination of large datasets from social media and field experiments to estimate behavioral responses,
market reactions and social costs of air pollution and climate change events, such as extreme weather
conditions or disastrous events. Some relevant studies in SUL can be found here: paper 1; paper2; paper
3; paper 4; paper 5.
Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and years of related experience;
this position is also eligible for MIT’s comprehensive benefits plan. Unique data sets on long-term
experimental evaluations are available. There will be opportunities to collaborate with other researchers
and to present your work at conferences [virtually and/or in person depending on the course of the
current pandemic].
Minimum Qualifications and Skills:
PhD in Economics, Computer Science, Psychology, Data Science,
Econometrics, or other related field by the beginning of employment. Candidates are expected to have a
strong expertise in data science, quasi-experimental empirical research and/or design of field
experiments. Interest in advancing understanding of social costs of air pollution and climate change, and
behavioral adaptation. Independent evidence of competence in these areas (doctoral thesis and other
papers). Demonstrated ability to deal with confidential information and/or issues using discretion and
sound judgment.
Preferred Experience: Familiarity with computational and/or behavioral science.
Supervision Received: Postdoc Associate will report to Professor Siqi Zheng
About MIT-SUL
Led by Prof Dr. Siqi Zheng, the Samuel Tak Lee Professor of Urban and Real Estate Sustainability, and the
Faculty Director of the MIT Center for Real Estate, the goal of the MIT Sustainable Urbanization Lab
(MIT/SUL) is to establish behavioral foundations for urban and environmental planning and policies aimed
at sustainable urbanization in the most rapidly urbanizing regions of the world. MIT-SUL provides a highly
stimulating research environment, with excellent facilities and great opportunities through its excellent
network.
Application instructions:
Interested candidates should submit your application and following information on MIT’s website at:
https://careers.peopleclick.com/careerscp/client\_mit/external/jobDetails/jobDetail.html?jobPostId=19432&localeCode=en-us
A cover letter expressing your interest and motivation for applying for this position, including a description of your research experience and aspirations; your current curriculum vitae; a completed research paper; and 3 letters of reference by January 15, 2021.
In addition to applying online via the MIT website, applicants are asked to submit the requested documents to Lindsey Goodwin, at lgoodwin@mit.edu and include Application Postdoctoral Associate MIT-SUL Job Req #19140 in the Subject Line. MIT-SUL will conduct virtual interviews, starting from January 2021, due to the continued uncertainties related to the potential spread of COVID-19.