Research Associate

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@duke.edu