Research Technician II, Nicholas School

Pre-Doctoral Research Associate

Duke University, located in Durham, NC, invites applications for a Pre-Doctoral Research Associate to support faculty‑led research projects in climate and resource economics. This role focuses on the economics of urban climate adaptation and seafood consumption, involving literature review, research design, data collection and management, econometric analysis, and manuscript preparation.

Research projects will include:

• Crowding‑out effects between public and private climate adaptation investment
• Local political economy of urban climate resilience
• Seafood consumption and health

• Conduct literature reviews and summarize academic research to support hypothesis formation and project development; (20%)
• Conduct data collection, cleaning, and management using large‑scale administrative and geospatial datasets; assist in integrating multiple data sources; (30%)
• Perform descriptive and econometric analyses for causal inference using software such as R, Python, or Stata; (30%)
• Assist in preparation of research outputs, including figures, tables, reports, and academic manuscripts; support replication and documentation of results. (10%)
• Provide general research support, including project coordination with collaborators, data documentation, and other tasks as assigned. (10%)

Full‑time (40 hours per week) term‑limited position from August 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027 (10 months), with the possibility of extension contingent on funding and work authorization.

Minimum educational requirement: A completed bachelor’s degree in economics, statistics, data science, or a related quantitative field.

Preferred experience:

0–2 years of relevant research experience, including experience as a research assistant or in academic research settings, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

• Strong quantitative skills, including training in econometrics, statistics, and data science
• Proficiency in statistical programming (e.g., R, Python, Stata)
• Experience working with large datasets and conducting empirical analysis
• Familiarity with core theories and current research frontiers in environmental economics
• Ability to read and synthesize academic literature
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research team

• Prior research experience related to environmental economics
• Interest in pursuing a PhD in economics, environmental economics, public policy, political science, or related fields

August 1, 2026

Durham, NC

Anticipated Pay Range: USD $19.06 to $28.85 per hour. Duke offers comprehensive medical and dental care, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family‑friendly and cultural programs. Eligibility is subject to the Duke benefits policy.

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, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy‑related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Certain jobs at Duke University may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: DAAS; phone: 919‑668‑1267).