Postdoctoral Scholar - Economics of Coastal Hazards and Resilience

Postdoctoral Scholar – Economics of Coastal Hazards and Resilience

Vacancy Number: PD-0035

Position Number: PD0038

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.

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 (Fin Tech), 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…