Call for Applications: Postdoctoral Researcher Position in the MAPS Project

We are seeking applications for a postdoctoral researcher to join the MAPS (Models, Assessment, and Policies for Sustainability) research project. This 4-year Horizon Europe project, coordinated by Dr. Dan O’Neill and Dr. Federico Demaria at the University of Barcelona, aims to broaden policy options to achieve sustainability, equity, and human wellbeing.

This is a 2-year position, with the possibility of extension, starting in April 2025.

About the Project

The MAPS project addresses the critical need to reconcile human development with sustainability. High-income countries must move beyond GDP growth as a policy goal, prioritizing social outcomes and reducing resource use to remain within planetary boundaries.

As part of the MAPS team, the postdoctoral researcher will:

• Develop an ecological macroeconomic model incorporating indicators of human wellbeing and environmental sustainability (e.g., the “Doughnut” of social and planetary boundaries).
• Use the model to assess policy scenarios aimed at decoupling human wellbeing from economic growth and environmental pressures.

 

Your Profile

We welcome candidates with a PhD in ecological economics, heterodox economics, environmental studies, or related fields.

Required Skills:

• Strong quantitative research skills and computer programming expertise.
• Experience in dynamic modeling, macro-economic modeling, system dynamics, or related approaches.

 

Desirable Skills:

• Knowledge of human wellbeing, planetary boundaries, provisioning systems, input-output analysis, and/or machine learning.
• Familiarity with ecological macroeconomic models such as Eurogreen, LowGrow SFC, or PyMedeas.

We value motivation, initiative, problem-solving skills, professional writing, and the ability to work effectively in an international team.

Completion of a PhD by the contract start date is required.

What We Offer

• Deadline: 23 February 2025
• Position: Postdoctoral Researcher in Ecological Macroeconomics
• Location: Faculty of Economics, University of Barcelona.
• Start Date: April 2025
• Salary: €36,250 gross per year
• A dynamic, supportive research environment at one of Europe’s top universities.
• Opportunity to work closely with a leading group of post-growth researchers in a vibrant city like Barcelona, offering a high quality of life.

 

How to Apply

1. Fill in the application form.
2. Send the following materials to ecoeco.recruitment@gmail.com by 23 February 2025, 23:59 CET:
   • CV (max. 10 pages)
   • PhD diploma
   • 1-page cover letter detailing how your skills and experience align with the position
   • 1-page research proposal discussing how to integrate environmental and social indicators into a macroeconomic model

The subject of your email should be: “Application for Postdoctoral Position in Ecological Macroeconomics”.

1. Ask two referees to send their reference letters directly to ecoeco.reference@gmail.com by 2 March 2025, 23:59 CET. The email subject should be: “Reference for YOUR NAME – Postdoctoral Position in Ecological Macroeconomics”.

 

Selection Process

• Online interviews: Second week of March 2025.
• Expected start date: April 2025.

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