Duke University, Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability

Position ID:
Duke-Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability-RA1 [#30945]
Position Title: 
Research Associate
Position Type:
Administration
Position Location:
Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States of America
Subject Areas: 
Climate / Climate change
Data Analysis
Appl Deadline:
2025/11/30 11:59PMhelp popup (posted 2025/10/21, listed until 2025/11/30)
Position Description:
   

Position Description

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE BUILDING CAPACITY FOR HEAT GOVERNANCE AND RESILIENCE About the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability and the Heat Policy Innovation Hub: The Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability at Duke University advances the university’s commitment to sustainability and climate resilience through research, education, and policy engagement. The Heat Policy Innovation Hub (HPIH), housed within the Institute, leads cutting-edge work on governance solutions for extreme heat. HPIH is dedicated to developing evidence-based solutions to the growing risks of extreme heat. By bridging research, policy, and practice, the Hub works to safeguard communities, strengthen economies, and inform governance around one of the most pressing climate challenges of our time. Position Description: The Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability at Duke University seeks an outstanding Research Associate who will be responsible for supporting its data and research initiatives on extreme heat resilience. This role will focus on managing data analysis, applied research, and tool development to inform heat governance and action planning. The Associate will work with Hub staff, faculty affiliates, and partners to translate complex datasets into actionable insights for policy and community resilience A successful candidate will be a detail-oriented and collaborative researcher who can navigate complex datasets, direct the work of data students and professionals, and effectively translate technical findings into insights that drive real-world impact. Key Responsibilities: Research & Data Analysis •Conduct advanced quantitative analyses using R, Python, or GIS. •Apply climate, economic, health, and demographic datasets to measure and assess the impacts of extreme heat. •Support vulnerability assessments and risk mapping for cities, identifying at-risk populations and infrastructure. •Integrate climate projections and demographic trends into planning and governance frameworks. •Contribute to monitoring and evaluation systems with equity-focused indicators. •Stay current on emerging methods, tools, and data sources related to climate and heat research and integrate these into the HPIH’s work. Knowledge Translation & Communication •Synthesize research findings into clear, accessible briefs, reports, and visuals for policymakers, practitioners, and communities. •Support preparation of training modules (“Heat 101,” “Governance 101”) and technical guidance materials. •Draft and co-author reports, policy briefs, peer-reviewed articles, and other written products.

Collaboration & Project Support •Work with partners to collect qualitative and quantitative data, including surveys and structured interviews. •Collaborate with HPIH staff on governance ecosystem mapping and decision-matrix design. •Direct the work of and mentor students, interns, and other HPIH staff engaged in research and data analysis. •Contribute to the preparation of grant documents, funded deliverables, donor-facing materials. Qualifications: •Master’s degree in climate science, environmental science, economics, public policy, urban planning, data science, or a related field required; Ph.D. preferred. •Proficiency in R required; additional experience with Python, GIS, or statistical/analytical platforms desirable. •Demonstrated experience working with climate, environmental, health, or demographic data. •Experience conducting vulnerability assessments, spatial analysis, or applied climate research preferred. •Strong ability to communicate technical findings in accessible, policy-relevant formats. •Minimum 2–3 years of research or applied policy experience (academic, nonprofit, or government). •Excellent organizational skills with ability to manage multiple ongoing projects. •Collaborative working style; commitment to equity and inclusion in research and practice. •Experience in working on extreme heat is a strong preference. •Experience supervising students, interns, and other research staff preferred. Please apply through Academic Jobs Online along with submitting your Cover Letter and CV to Ashley Ward: ashley.ward2@duke.edu

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
And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:
https://nicholasinstitute.duke.edu/
email address
 
Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability
Duke University
Durham, NC 27708