A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities and is among is the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development.

Here at Carolina, our highly skilled postdocs play a vital role in our research enterprise and towards our overall commitment to research excellence. Across many disciplines, postdocs contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. They provide innovative ideas and perspectives, foster a stimulating research environment and advance knowledge within their fields. Postdocs are crucial members of our scientific research workforce, contributors to our research outputs and an important reason why Carolina is one of the leading public research institutions in the country.

UNC-Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. Chapel Hill regularly ranks as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, a reputation guided by the diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

The Institute for Risk Management and Insurance Innovation (IRMII) is focused on interdisciplinary research and training that lead to better understanding and management of financial losses resulting from perils ranging from extreme weather to pandemics to cyber-attacks. Our mission is to drive the advancement of creative risk management tools and strategies to address growing threats to society, and to cultivate a collaborative ecosystem of academics and industry leaders to train the next generation of risk management professionals. The Institute has a focus on both graduate research and graduate/undergraduate education, with the latter involving the administration of the new Minor in Risk Management. Support for IRMII includes funding from nearly 40 firms from across the insurance and risk management sector, and Institute faculty, staff and students have many opportunities to interact with these partners as they develop research projects and training programs of direct relevance to the industry.

The Institute is recruiting for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate position who has a strong background in systems-based approaches to modeling risks that involve consideration of hazard (e.g., high streamflow), vulnerability (e.g., levees, dams) and exposure/value (e.g., property value). These tools will be applied toward areas related to a range of potential risks, including, but not limited to, flood, drought, extreme temperatures, extreme wind, convective storms, cyberattacks, pandemics, and liability risks (e.g., PFAS). Candidates with experience in the insurance and/or financial sectors will be a particularly good fit. The Post-Doctoral Researcher will work on 1) transdisciplinary and convergent research on the effect of extreme events, 2) mentoring graduate and undergraduate researchers, and 3) supporting Institute activities (e.g., annual meetings, guest lectures, etc.) that revolve around interaction with IRMII’s nearly 40 industry partners.

PhD in a relevant field in the areas of engineering, natural sciences, finance, economics, data science or a related field.

- Experience and demonstrated accomplishments in evaluating and/or managing the financial risk of disruptive events ranging from extreme weather to pandemics to cyberattacks.
- Applicants must have significant computer coding skills, e.g., Python, R
- Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.

Demonstrated interdisciplinary expertise in more than one field (e.g., engineering and economics) is highly desirable. Candidates with experience in the insurance and/or financial sectors will be particularly well qualified.

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University’s Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at (919) 962-9982 or send an email to opahr@unc.edu.

Please note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.