Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Summary

We invite applications for a postdoctoral research associate position to work with Dr. Nina Brooks ([email protected]) at the University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS). This role involves conducting research at the intersection of environment, development, and health economics and policy. The successful candidate will pursue their own related research interests as well as contribute to projects that integrate and analyze survey, field-based, and administrative data with high-resolution climate and air pollution datasets, with a particular emphasis on informal brick manufacturing and other informal industries. There are also opportunities to participate in field research projects in South Asia, depending on the candidate’s interests, and to engage in training and professional development activities at the University of Michigan.

 

Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

 

Note: This position will be a one (1) year full-time term limited appointment with the possibility of renewal.

 

Job Responsibilities

• Integrate survey and administrative datasets with environmental  data (e.g., remotely sensed temperature and air pollution)
• Perform econometric analyses to estimate the causal effects of environmental and climate exposures
• Assist in the design and analysis of randomized controlled experiments
• Lead manuscript preparation and contribute to the dissemination of research findings
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary and international team members

Required Qualifications

• A PhD in Economics, Public Policy, Data Science, or a related quantitative social science discipline is required either prior to the appointment or must be obtained within four months of the start date.
• Demonstrated expertise in causal inference methods and other data science methodologies (e.g., machine learning).
• Experience working with large-scale environmental and remotely-sensed datasets, strong proficiency in R and version control tools (such as GitHub), and familiarity with high-performance computing (HPC) are required.

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your CV. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position. Additionally, your application must include:

• A writing sample
• Contact information for at least three references

Compile all materials into a single file to upload for your application.  All applications must be submitted here.

We will start reviewing applications January 30, 2026.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. We will start reviewing applications January 30, 2026.

 

Mission Statement

At the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), we are at the forefront of building a more sustainable and just world for all by transforming the impact of higher education and reimagining the future. We are advancing action through innovation, research, education and engagement in society, and developing leaders who are empowered to halt the climate crisis and create an environmentally sound future for generations to come.

 

To learn more about SEAS and our values, please visit our website at https://seas.umich.edu/about/seas-values.

 

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.