Two Postdocs in Climate Economics - Technical University of Denmark

The Division for Climate and Energy Policy at DTU Management offers two Postdoc positions for 3 years in the Climate Economics and Risk Management section. The candidates will participate in cutting-edge research on the risks of climate hazards and adaptation and mitigation options, where economic consequences of climate hazards and climate policies are assessed based on detailed modelling. The postdocs in economics will be part of an interdisciplinary team of economists, geographers, and climate scientists.

We are looking for highly qualified and motivated economists interested in collaborating with our DTU research teams and with top European and international researchers on the development and application of quantitative modelling of climate risks, sustainable development impacts on income generation, health, energy-, water-, and food access, and policy options. 

Responsibilities and qualifications
Most of the research will be carried out in the context of several ongoing and soon-starting Horizon Europe projects. A major task is to support the further developing of DTU’s economic damage cost model for climate hazards and extreme events, which was recently developed for Denmark. The model is based on detailed spatial data on climate risks related to, e.g., flooding, extreme heat, drought, and wildfire, and assesses vulnerabilities and multi-sectoral damages to human, social, and environmental systems using a bottom-up approach with rich coverage of land-use activities, society, and economics. The expected key developments within this research area will be to extend the existing modelling framework with new modules for assessing adaptation options and links to mitigation policies and the alignment of climate policies and sustainable development. The focal areas will be urban development, land cover, and land-use change. You will also assist in guiding the research of MSc and PhD students. 

The main duty of the Postdocs includes:

  • Development and testing of an extended (generic) version of the economic climate hazard damage cost model, which is applicable internationally.
  • Extending the model with a new module for integrated assessment of sustainable development impacts of adaptation and mitigation policies. In addition to the welfare measures already included in the model, additional measures relevant to sustainable development could include access to energy, water, food, equity dimensions, and education. 
  • Application to case studies of climate events in different European Metropolitan areas and regions.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree in economics (or equivalent). Furthermore, strong English writing and communication skills are essential. The research will involve participating in large European research networks and international partnerships in which the Postdocs should be ready to participate actively.

The ideal candidate should have:

  • A PhD degree in economics.
  • Documented experience in quantitative modelling of climate policies and their economic and social dimensions.
  • Expertise with one or more tools for quantitative analysis.
  • A willingness and desire to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration.

Previous experience with international projects and/or knowledge of one or more of the following areas can be an advantage but is not required.

  • Climate hazards
  • Climate change adaptation
  • Climate policies and green transition

Flexibility and self-motivation are desired skills at DTU. In addition, we expect you to be a team player interested in internal and external collaboration.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer rewarding and challenging jobs in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility. 

Salary and terms of employment 
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 3 years, starting as soon as possible. The position is full-time.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information about the position may be obtained from Professor Kirsten Halsnæs, khal@dtu.dk or Senior Researcher Martin Drews, mard@dtu.dk.

You can read more about the Department at DTU Management

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 10 September 2023 (23:59 Danish time).  

We will assess applications as they arrive. We may send invitations for online interviews as the assessment progresses.

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

  • Application (cover letter)
  • CV
  • Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
  • List of publications 

Applications received after the deadline and incomplete applications will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

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Who we are 
DTU Management conducts excellent research in the intersection between management, technology and economics. We develop solutions in close cooperation with companies and public authorities. Our research aims at strengthening welfare, productivity and sustainability within the society. A key element is the role of technology and its interaction with industry and individuals. The department’s research is divided into four divisions: Technology & Business Studies, Management Science, Climate & Energy Policy and Transportation Science. The department offers a wide range of courses and programs at bachelor, master and PhD level across DTU’s study programs. DTU Management employs about 320 people. We offer an international environment with around 50 different nationalities represented at the department.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

Job opening | 7 August 2023