Postdoctoral Researcher Position in Ecological Macroeconomics at the University of Barcelona
We seek an outstanding postdoctoral researcher in ecological economics to work on an exciting project entitled “Towards a Sustainable Well-being Economy: Integrated Policies and Transformative Indicators” (ToBe).
The postdoctoral researcher will help develop a novel ecological macroeconomic model that includes various indicators of human well-being and environmental sustainability (such as those in the “Doughnut” of social and planetary boundaries). The model will assess different policy packages to achieve a sustainable well-being economy.
The successful candidate will join a cutting-edge research team on ecological economics and political ecology, focusing on “post-growth” approaches. The motivation for this research is the observation that GDP growth is no longer improving people’s lives in wealthy nations, and yet it is contributing to a worsening ecological crisis. A new economic paradigm is needed.
The ideal candidate will have a PhD in an area such as ecological economics, environmental studies, natural/social sciences, etc. Expertise in quantitative research methods and/or computer programming is essential. Knowledge of human well-being, planetary boundaries, provisioning systems, input–output analysis, system dynamics, machine learning, and/or material flow analysis is desirable. Experience with ecological macroeconomic models (e.g., PyMedeas, EuroGreen, or LowGrow SFC) would be advantageous. We do not expect a single candidate to know all these areas.
We strongly value motivation and initiative, along with skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, professional writing, and the ability to work as part of an international team.
The position is available to start as soon as possible (ideally no later than 1st May 2024), and will last for approximately two years, depending on the exact start date. Completion of a Ph.D. by the contract’s start date is a requirement for the position.
The position will be based in the Faculty of Economics at the University of Barcelona (Spain), under the supervision of Dan O’Neill and Federico Demaria. The gross salary is 36,250 euros per year.
To apply, please email your application to ecoeco.recruitment@gmail.com, with the subject line “Application for ToBe position”, no later than Sunday 25th February 2024, 23:59 CET. Please include a one-page motivation letter, your CV, and a one-page proposal on how you would integrate environmental and/or social indicators in a macroeconomic model. Interviews will be carried out with shortlisted candidates via Zoom, tentatively the first week of March. Two reference letters will be requested for candidates invited for an interview.
The successful candidate will join one of the world’s top groups of post-growth researchers. We work closely as a team, and the successful candidate is expected to live and work in the Barcelona area. Barcelona is a dynamic city on the Mediterranean, with a very high quality of life. The University of Barcelona is generally regarded as the top university in Spain, and one of the best in Europe.
