Postdoctoral Scholar – Economics of Coastal Hazards and Resilience

UNCW; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cameron School of Business at the University of North Carolina Wilmington invites applications for a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Economics and Finance. This is a 12-month, full-time, temporary non-faculty research position with potential renewal subject to funding.

The economist will conduct research on coastal hazards, resilience, and related economic analyses under CHEER, collaborating with engineers, economists, and social scientists.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Economics, Applied Economics, Environmental or Resource Economics, or a closely related field by the appointment start date.
• Research experience in applied quantitative analysis, including econometric or computational methods.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and communicate findings in writing and presentations.
• Ability to collaborate on interdisciplinary research projects.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research under the CHEER initiative, developing and applying quantitative economic methods.
• Assemble and analyze data, interpret results, and prepare manuscripts and presentations.
• Collaborate with researchers across institutions and disciplines.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Independent research

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Economics or related field

Tools

R

Stata

Python

Job description

Postdoctoral Scholar – Economics of Coastal Hazards and Resilience

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Please note, this is a postdoctoral position. The length of the assignment will be based on department need, with the possibility of continuation. Employees in postdoc positions are considered temporary positions (non-permanent state employees) but do qualify for postdoctoral medical insurance and paid leave, unlike other temporary employees at the university. More information about postdoctoral employees can be found in the Postdoc Handbook.

Vacancy Number

Vacancy Number PD-0035

Working Title

Working Title Postdoctoral Scholar – Economics of Coastal Hazards and Resilience

Position Number

Position Number PD0038

Location of Workplace

Location of Workplace Main UNCW Campus

Brief Summary of Work for this Position

The Cameron School of Business at the University of North Carolina Wilmington invites applications for a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Economics and Finance. This is a 12-month, full-time, temporary non-faculty research position, with potential renewal subject to university policies and available funding.

The postdoctoral scholar will work with Professor Meghan Millea on the economics research thrust of the National Science Foundation-funded Coastal Hazards, Economic Prosperity, and Resilience ( CHEER ) research hub. CHEER brings together engineers, economists, and social scientists to investigate hurricane risk, recovery, and resilience in coastal communities. The economics thrust examines household and community responses to hurricane risk, including insurance decisions, hazard mitigation, adaptation, and the economic consequences of disasters, with an emphasis on eastern North Carolina.

The primary responsibility of the postdoctoral scholar is to conduct research. Activities include developing and applying quantitative economic methods, assembling and analyzing data, interpreting results, preparing manuscripts and presentations, and collaborating with researchers across institutions and disciplines. The position may also involve research proposal development, mentoring students, and engaging with community partners to connect research findings with practical needs.

Appointment Description

This is a 12-month, full-time, temporary non-faculty research position, with potential renewal subject to university policies and available funding.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• Ph.D. in Economics, Applied Economics, Environmental or Resource Economics, or a closely related field by the appointment start date.
  • Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate in one of the fields listed above and conferred before the appointment start date, but no more than five (5) years prior to the appointment start date.
  • Exceptions to the 5-year degree requirement may be waived in exceptional circumstances.
• Research experience in applied quantitative analysis, including econometric or computational methods.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and communicate findings in writing and presentations.
• Ability to collaborate on interdisciplinary research projects.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Research experience in environmental economics, natural hazards, disaster risk, insurance, adaptation, or economic resilience.
• Experience with spatial analysis, applied econometrics, economic modeling, or computable general equilibrium methods.
• Experience working with large or geographically detailed datasets and collaborating with researchers from other disciplines.
• Record of scholarly publications or manuscripts in progress and interest in research that informs policy and community decision-making.

Required Certifications or Licensure

Department

Department Economics and Finance - 31250

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The Department of Economics and Finance at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, located in the vibrant coastal city of Wilmington, North Carolina, offers four Bachelor of Science in Business Administration concentrations: Economics, Finance, Financial Technology (FinTech), and Real Estate. The department also administers the Bachelor of Arts in Economics and the Master of Science in Finance programs. In addition, faculty play an integral role in supporting both the Master of Business Administration ( MBA ) and the International MBA , a joint program offered in collaboration with our international partner universities.

The department fosters an engaging and experiential learning environment through student organizations, competitive academic opportunities such as the College Fed Challenge and CFA Institute Research Challenge, the student-managed investment fund, undergraduate honors research, and other high-impact learning experiences. Faculty are equally committed to advancing scholarship with a growing research portfolio and a strong culture of collaboration that enhances teaching, research, and service.

College

College Cameron School Business - 312 College

College/School Information

The University of North Carolina Wilmington ( UNCW ) is a dynamic and growing institution within the University of North Carolina System, set on a scenic, 661-acre campus. The AACSB -accredited Cameron School of Business offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs across business and technology disciplines, including management, accounting, analytics, finance, supply chain management, marketing, economics, entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, and information systems. Located in Wilmington, a vibrant coastal city with a thriving port, diverse business community, and strong tourism industry, UNCW offers a distinctive setting for academic and professional growth. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River, Wilmington combines a robust economic environment with an appealing coastal quality of life.

University Information

The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research and service. Widely acknowledged for its world-class faculty and staff and continuously recognized at a national level for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking.
A public institution with nearly 18,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to- BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation’s only bachelor’s degree program focused on coastal engineering.
The university’s efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of “Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity” institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.

EEO Statement

UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents – except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.

Eligibility for Employment

Please note, this is a postdoctoral position. The length of the assignment will be based on department need, with the possibility of continuation. Employees in postdoc positions are considered temporary positions (non-permanent state employees) but do qualify for postdoctoral medical insurance and paid leave, unlike other temporary employees at the university. More information about postdoctoral employees can be found in the Postdoc Handbook.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UNC Wilmington participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Number of Openings

Number of Openings 12J (12 Months: July - June/Salary)

Special Notes to Applicants

Please note, this is a postdoctoral position. The length of the assignment will be based on department need, with the possibility of continuation. Employees in postdoc positions are considered temporary positions (non-permanent state employees) but do qualify for postdoctoral medical insurance and paid leave, unlike other temporary employees at the university. More information about postdoctoral employees can be found in the Postdoc Handbook.