[ES_JOBS_NET] RESEARCH ASSOCIATE BUILDING CAPACITY FOR HEAT GOVERNANCE AND RESILIENCE, Duke University

[Emily Nagamoto]

Job: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30945



RESEARCH ASSOCIATE BUILDING CAPACITY FOR HEAT GOVERNANCE AND RESILIENCE

*About the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability and
the Heat Policy Innovation Hub:* The Nicholas Institute for Energy,
Environment & Sustainability at Duke University advances the university’s
commitment to sustainability and resilience through research, education,
and policy engagement. *The Heat Policy Innovation Hub (HPIH)*, housed
within the Institute, leads cutting-edge work on governance solutions for
extreme heat. HPIH is dedicated to developing evidence-based solutions to
the growing risks of extreme heat. By bridging research, policy, and
practice, the Hub works to safeguard communities, strengthen economies, and
inform governance around one of the most pressing challenges of our time.

*Position Description*: The Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment &
Sustainability at Duke University seeks an outstanding Research Associate
who will be responsible for supporting its data and research initiatives on
extreme heat resilience. This role will focus on managing data analysis,
applied research, and tool development to inform heat governance and action
planning. The Associate will work with Hub staff, faculty affiliates, and
partners to translate complex datasets into actionable insights for policy
and community resilience A successful candidate will be a detail-oriented
and collaborative researcher who can navigate complex datasets, direct the
work of data students and professionals, and effectively translate
technical findings into insights that drive real-world impact.

*Key Responsibilities*: Research & Data Analysis •Conduct advanced
quantitative analyses using R, Python, or GIS. •Apply environmental,
economic, health, and demographic datasets to measure and assess the
impacts of extreme heat. •Support vulnerability assessments and risk
mapping for cities, identifying at-risk populations and infrastructure.
•Integrate environmental projections and demographic trends into planning
and governance frameworks. •Contribute to monitoring and evaluation
systems. •Stay current on emerging methods, tools, and data sources related
to environmental and heat research and integrate these into the HPIH’s
work. Knowledge Translation & Communication •Synthesize research findings
into clear, accessible briefs, reports, and visuals for policymakers,
practitioners, and communities. •Support preparation of training modules
(“Heat 101,” “Governance 101”) and technical guidance materials. •Draft and
co-author reports, policy briefs, peer-reviewed articles, and other written
products. Collaboration & Project Support •Work with partners to collect
qualitative and quantitative data, including surveys and structured
interviews. •Collaborate with HPIH staff on governance ecosystem mapping
and decision-matrix design. •Direct the work of and mentor students,
interns, and other HPIH staff engaged in research and data analysis.
•Contribute to the preparation of grant documents, funded deliverables,
donor-facing materials.

*Qualifications*: •Master’s degree in environmental science, economics,
public policy, urban planning, data science, or a related field required;
Ph.D. preferred. •Proficiency in R required; additional experience with
Python, GIS, or statistical/analytical platforms desirable. •Demonstrated
experience working with environmental, health, or demographic data.
•Experience conducting vulnerability assessments, spatial analysis, or
applied environmental research preferred. •Strong ability to communicate
technical findings in accessible, policy-relevant formats. •Minimum 2–3
years of research or applied policy experience (academic, nonprofit, or
government). •Excellent organizational skills with ability to manage
multiple ongoing projects. •Collaborative working style; commitment to
inclusion in research and practice. •Experience in working on extreme heat
is a strong preference. •Experience supervising students, interns, and
other research staff preferred.

Please apply through Academic Jobs Online along with submitting your Cover
Letter and CV to Ashley Ward: ashley.ward2 at duke.edu

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

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation,
creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust
exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our
perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this
exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and
welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that
all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to
uphold these values.
*Application Materials Required:*

*Submit <https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo?apply-3262-30945> the following
items online at this website to complete your application:*

   - Cover letter
   - Curriculum Vitae

*And anything else requested in the position description.*
*Further Info:*

https://nicholasinstitute.duke.edu/
Ashley Ward <Ashley.ward2 at duke.edu>
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