Post-doctoral Researcher – Behavioral Economics & Policy Design Job Vacancy in UAE Abdu Dhabi
The newly established Center for Behavioral Institutional Design (C-BID) at New York University Abu Dhabi is recruiting a Post-doctoral Researcher to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of behavioral economics, social science, and public policy. This role is ideal for researchers interested in uncovering the roots of human behavioral diversity and developing empirically-informed models to design welfare-enhancing institutions.
Job Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Job Industry: Higher Education / Behavioral and Social Science
Job Function: Economics & Public Policy Research
Salary: Competitive with housing and education benefits
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any
Candidate Current Location: Any
Job Type: Full-time
What Does a Post-doctoral Researcher in Behavioral Policy Do?
This role supports C-BID’s mission of integrating behavioral insights into institutional design. The selected candidate will collaborate with world-class faculty and interdisciplinary teams to explore how social, biological, and institutional factors influence human preferences and decision-making. The work spans theoretical modeling, data analysis, policy design, and applied social science.
What Are the Key Responsibilities?
- Conduct original research aligned with C-BID’s goals in behavioral economics
- Use experimental, empirical, or theoretical approaches to study human behavior
- Collaborate with faculty and international researchers across disciplines
- Contribute to one or more research clusters in the center
- Publish in high-impact journals and present at academic and policy conferences
- Work with policymakers and stakeholders to translate research into real-world applications
- Assist in data collection, analysis, tool development, or simulation depending on the project
- Mentor students and engage in C-BID seminars and meetings
What Are the Required Skills for a Post-doctoral Role in Abu Dhabi?
Education:
- PhD in Economics or a related discipline such as Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology
Experience:
- Expertise in experimental, empirical, or theoretical economic methods
- Strong publication potential or a record of peer-reviewed research
- Previous interdisciplinary work or collaboration is a plus
- Interest in real-world policy applications is highly desirable
Skills:
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills in a diverse, multidisciplinary setting
- Scientific creativity and initiative in developing and testing new models
- Ability to work both independently and within a team
- Strong analytical, data processing, or theoretical modeling abilities
What Benefits Come with This Role?
- Competitive tax-free salary and benefits
- Housing allowance and educational subsidies for dependents
- Research support through the NYUAD Kawader program
- Opportunities for interdisciplinary and international collaboration
- Participation in global academic networks across NYU campuses
- Access to public policy circles and local institutional partnerships in the UAE
About the Company
NYU Abu Dhabi is a globally connected university fostering innovative research in arts, science, and policy. C-BID is a pioneering center for behavioral social science, focusing on empirically grounded institutional design to enhance societal well-being. It brings together economists, psychologists, neuroscientists, and public policy experts to address complex challenges in institutional development and governance.
To apply, submit your statement of interest, CV, list of publications, up to three reprints or transcripts, and arrange for two letters of recommendation. All documents must be submitted in PDF format through the NYUAD application portal. For details about the Kawader program, visit the official webpage. For questions, email nyuad.kawader
