Postdoctoral Researcher Position in Ecological Macroeconomics — University of Barcelona

We are seeking applications for an outstanding postdoctoral researcher in ecological economics to work on the exciting research project entitled MAPS (Models, Assessment, and Policies for Sustainability). The goal of the project is to broaden the range of policy options to help achieve sustainability, equity, and human wellbeing. It is a 4-year Horizon Europe research project and is coordinated by Dan O’Neill and Federico Demaria at the University of Barcelona. This is a 2-year position, with an anticipated start date of April 2025.

There is an urgent need to reconcile human development with sustainability. The lack of evidence for sufficient absolute decoupling between economic growth and environmental pressures means that future trajectories building on economic growth may not be possible. Therefore, high-income countries should move beyond the pursuit of GDP growth as a central policy goal, in order to ensure human wellbeing and social outcomes and reduce resource use to remain within planetary boundaries.

The postdoctoral researcher will help develop a novel ecological macroeconomic model that includes a wide range of indicators of human wellbeing and environmental sustainability (such as those in the “Doughnut” of social and planetary boundaries). Drawing on post-growth research, the model will be used to assess policy packages and scenarios with the aim of decoupling human wellbeing from economic growth and environmental pressures. 

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in an area such as ecological economics, heterodox economics, environmental studies, natural/social sciences, etc. Expertise in quantitative research methods and computer programming is essential. Knowledge of topics such as dynamic modelling (e.g. macro-economic modelling or system dynamics), human wellbeing, planetary boundaries, provisioning systems, machine learning, and/or input—output analysis is desirable. Experience with existing (ecological) macroeconomic models (e.g. Eurogreen, LowGrow SFC, PyMedeas) would be advantageous. Note that we do not expect a single candidate to know all of these areas.

We strongly value motivation and initiative, along with skills such as problem solving, professional writing, organisational skills, and the ability to work as part of an international team.

The position will be based in the Faculty of Economics, at the University of Barcelona (Spain), under the supervision of Dr Daniel O’Neill and Dr Federico Demaria.

Completion of a PhD by the start date of the contract is a requirement for the position.

How to Apply

1. Please fill in this application form: https://forms.gle/BFFsThAUTJUhRJQt8
2. Please send your CV (maximum 10 pages), PhD diploma, a 1-page cover letter and a 1-page research proposal to Dr Daniel O’Neill and Dr Federico Demaria at ecoeco.recruitment@gmail.com by 23rd February 2025, 23:59 CET. The subject of your email should be: “Application for Postdoctoral Position in Ecological Macroeconomics”. 
3. Please ask two referees to submit reference letters for you to ecoeco.reference@gmail.com by 2nd March 2025, 23:59 CET. The subject of their emails should be: “Reference for YOUR NAME – Postdoctoral Position in Ecological Macroeconomics”.

Within your 1-page cover letter, please indicate how your skills and experience match the position. Within your 1-page proposal, please discuss how you would integrate environmental and social indicators, such as those within the Doughnut of social and planetary boundaries, into a macroeconomic model.

Online interviews are expected to be held in the second week of March 2024.

Deadline to apply: Sunday, 23 February 2025, 23:59 CET

Start date of position: April 2024

Salary: €36,250 per year

The successful candidate will join one of the top groups of post-growth researchers in the world. We work closely as a team, and the successful candidate is expected to live and work in the Barcelona area. Applicants who are not willing to live and work in the Barcelona area will not be considered for this position. 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.

We are committed to advancing the careers of junior women researchers, and researchers from under-represented backgrounds, who are encouraged to apply.