Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Environmental Economics

The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) wishes to hire a postdoctoral researcher in climate and energy economics. This is a 2-year, fixed-term position which will involve work on the EPA-funded project “Just resilience and adaptation in Ireland: sectors and regions.” The successful applicant will hold an adjunct position at Trinity College Dublin .

The Institute

The ESRI, founded in 1960, is located in Dublin’s South Docklands area. Our mission is to produce high quality research, relevant to Ireland’s economic and social development, with the aim of contributing to knowledge and informing policymaking and public debate. We have over 110 staff including economists, sociologists and other social scientists, in addition to support and technical staff.

Energy and climate research at the ESRI

The ESRI has an active climate and energy economics research group. The Energy Policy Research Centre (EPRC) is a multi-annual research programme focussing on energy market related issues surrounding regulatory design, decarbonisation and fuel poverty. The climate research programme is centred around the development and application of the Ireland Environment, Energy and Economy (I3E) model for policy evaluation. Irish and international collaborations are ongoing and there is strong engagement with industry and policy stakeholders.

Role Description

The candidate will be involved in a project on climate change impacts and adaptation options for Ireland. This project focusses on the spatial distribution of household-level impacts whereby a spatial microsimulation framework will be developed. This work will be linked to a CGE model (I3E), to investigate the economic sectors most at risk of being affected by climate change and the macro policy measures that may counter such effects. In addition, this project will involve a literature review on just resilience and nature-based solutions to climate change adaptation.

The candidate will be responsible for aiding the development of the spatial microsimulation model and estimating the incidence of climate impacts across households, regions, and economic sectors. Policy options to shield vulnerable sectors and socioeconomic groups will be explored. This will involve the use of econometric and applied modelling techniques.

This work will inform policymaking and the candidate will have opportunities to disseminate their research findings to stakeholders, both in industry and to relevant government departments. Research papers are expected to be published in leading international, peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

Successful candidates will have a PhD (completed or nearing completion) in economics or a closely- related discipline, and ideally will have their work published in leading international, peer-reviewed journals. Candidates with training in disciplines with a quantitative component, such as mathematics, statistics or geography, are also encouraged to apply.

The candidate will be expected to have:

• Quantitative modelling skills (e.g., applied modelling, econometrics, microsimulation, etc.)
• Strong computer skills and coding skills (experience with Stata an advantage);
• Excellent writing, interpersonal and communication skills;
• Ability to present and communicate research findings to non-technical and technical audiences;
• Careful attention to detail while maintaining the drive to meet tight deadlines;
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully in teams and on their own initiative;
• Interest in policy related research, particularly in the area of climate and energy economics.

Terms & Application Procedure

The role is full-time (37 hours per week - standard working hours are 09.00-17.30, Monday – Thursday and 09.00-17.00, Friday; flexible working hours are supported). Appointments will be on a two-year, fixed-term contract basis and starting salary will be €42,376, which is the first point of the ESRI postdoctoral researcher salary scale. The successful candidate will be based in our offices in Dublin 2. The appointee will hold an adjunct position at Trinity College Dublin.

To apply for this position please follow the link below. The closing date for applications isFriday, 21st of January at 5pm. All applications will be acknowledged. Late or incomplete applications will not be processed. The selection process will consist of a preliminary interview and, for candidates successful at that stage, a final interview, presentation and written assessment. The ESRI is following Government guidelines regarding COVID-19 and its offices are currently closed. Therefore, each stage of the selection process is likely to be held via video-conference (MS Teams) and the successful candidate may be expected to work remotely in Republic of Ireland for a temporary period until the office reopens. Late or incomplete applications will not be processed. 

The ESRI is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to accommodating the needs of people with disabilities to enable them to participate in the selection process. Please let us know if you have any particular requirements should you be invited for assessment/interview or that you wish us to take into account when considering your application.