Postdoctoral Researcher in Input–Output and Time-Use Analysis – University of Barcelona

We are looking for an outstanding postdoctoral researcher with expertise in input–output analysis to contribute to a new Horizon Europe research project entitled Models, Assessment, and Policies for Sustainability (MAPS). This is a 2-year position, starting September 2025.

The position: The position will conduct research to understand the resource use and time-use requirements of achieving a good life for all people within planetary boundaries. The methods employed will include input–output analysis (to estimate the resource use and paid labour requirements of meeting basic needs), and time-use analysis (to estimate the amount of unpaid labour and leisure time associated with meeting these needs). The position will build on previous research to establish and analyse thresholds for a good life, including the Doughnut of social and planetary boundaries, decent living standards, and provisioning systems, among others. The position will also explore novel methods such as dynamic input–ouput analysis to model structural changes in the economy due to important trends like artificial intelligence development and decarbonisation.

Essential — The successful candidate will have:

• A PhD in an area such as ecological economics, sustainability science, natural/social sciences, feminist economics, or a related field. Completion of a PhD by the start date of the contract is a requirement for the position
• A track record of relevant research publications in internationally recognised journals
• Expertise in input–output analysis (in particular, environmentally-extended multi-region input–output analysis or dynamic input–output analysis)
• Expertise in computer programming
• Motivation and initiative to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Fluency in English

Desirable — The successful candidate may have:

• Experience working with time-use data
• Knowledge of approaches to conceptualise and measure human wellbeing (e.g. the Doughnut of social and planetary boundaries, theories of human needs, subjective wellbeing, decent living standards, provisioning systems, etc.)
• Expertise in additional quantitative research methods (e.g. time-use analysis, system dynamics modelling, machine learning, advanced statistics, material flows analysis, etc.)
• An interest in the impacts of artificial intelligence on human wellbeing and environmental sustainability
• Proficiency in Spanish and/or Catalan

Note that we do not expect a single candidate to know all these areas. We strongly value motivation for learning new skills.

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.

How to apply:

How to apply: 

1. Fill in this application form: https://forms.gle/fwUuSY7TdSXLnGjx5 
2. Submit your CV, 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 Sunday, 13 July 2025, 23:59 CEST. The subject of your email should be: “Application for Postdoc Position in Input–Output and Time-Use Analysis”.  Within your 1-page cover letter, please indicate how your skills and experience match the essential/desirable specifications listed above. Within your 1-page proposal, please discuss how you would go about quantifying the resource use and time-use requirements of a good life.
3. Ask two referees to submit reference letters for you to ecoeco.reference@gmail.com by Sunday, 13 July 2025, 23:59 CEST. The subject of their emails should be: “Reference for YOUR NAME”.

Deadline to apply: Sunday, 13 July 2025, 23:59 CEST

Start date of position: September 2025 

Salary: €36,250 per year

The MAPS project: There is an urgent need for a new economic paradigm that reconciles human well-being with environmental sustainability — one based on a “post-growth” approach. High-income countries must move beyond the pursuit of GDP growth as a policy goal, and instead pursue policies that improve human well-being while reducing resource use.      

The aim of the MAPS project is to broaden the range of policies, models, and assessments to help achieve sustainability, equity, and human well-being. It is a 4-year Horizon Europe research project coordinated by the University of Barcelona, with nine other partners across Europe.

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.