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Duke University, NSOE-ESS & MSC

4762 30882
Position ID:
Duke-NSOE-ESS & MSC-POSTDOC_FAN [#30882, 51192870]
Position Title: 
Postdoctoral Associate in Climate Economics and Urban Resilience
Position Type:
Postdoctoral
Position Location:
Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States of America
Subject Areas: 
Environmental Studies / Natural Resources Science and Management
Climate Change
Starting Date:
2026/08/01
Appl Deadline:
2026/04/30 11:59PMhelp popup* (posted 2025/10/15, listed until 2026/05/31)
Position Description:
   

Position Description

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.


Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
  • Cover letter
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Job Market Paper or Recent Publication
  • Three reference letters (to be submitted online by the reference writers on this site help popup)
And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:
https://nicholas.duke.edu/
email address
 
Grainger Hall
9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328
Durham, NC 27708