The Center for Interacting Urban Networks, New York University Abu Dhabi, seeks to recruit a Junior Research Scientist to support the project LANDMark on research on land economics, in any of the following areas:

• Measurement of land prices, with a focus on imputation techniques
• Land value determinants: public infrastructures (transport, health, and education services)
• Macroeconomic stability and instability in the presence of land as a fixed, non-produced asset
• Taxation of land wealth as an alternative to the consumption tax and the capital tax
• The political economy of land and its taxation
• Land, fixed resources, and political conflict

The successful applicant will contribute to the research centered on any of these themes.

The qualified candidate will have an MSc or an MA in economics or another quantitative field with no more than five years from receipt of the degree, and an appetite for working on interdisciplinary teams.

This position requires:

1. Research experience in the mentioned areas of land (in a broad sense, including housing, macroeconomics, labor, urban, spatial economics, political economy, and conflict).
2. Excellent communication skills in English.
3. Ability to work in teams

Applicants must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests, a transcript or degree, and the contact information for 2-3 referees, who may be contacted during the selection process. The research statement should outline specific projects that the candidate would like to lead within CITIES, along with potential collaborators within the Center. If you have any questions, please email us at nyuad.cities@nyu.edu.

Evaluations will begin immediately and continue until the role is filled. The earliest start date for this position is January 1st, 2027.

About LANDMark (Land Assets, National Development and Markets):

This project, developed by Etienne Wasmer, professor of Economics and program head in Economics at NYUAD, and funded for the next 6 years (2027-2032), brings together a group of researchers working on land all over the world. A team of 4 postdocs will constitute the project's core. Associations and collaborative research funding projects with researchers in Economics, Engineering, Computer Science, and Political Science are encouraged. The post-doctoral associate will be hosted in the Social Science Division, near the economics faculty, and can be affiliated with CITIES (infra).

About The Center for Interacting Urban Networks (CITIES):

The NYUAD’s Center for InTeractIng urban nEtworkS (CITIES – مدن) is an interdisciplinary research center dedicated to advancing urban science and promoting cutting-edge research that is translated into practical, real-world solutions for the benefit of society. Our mission is to establish a vibrant and globally recognized knowledge hub for urban networks, bridge the gap between scientific significance and practical value, and further develop the human capital to propel the city of Abu Dhabi and the UAE into a more prosperous and sustainable future. CITIES leverages the expertise of faculty members from the four Divisions of NYUAD and world-renowned scientific collaborators from multiple institutions within and beyond the NYU Global Network, as well as local stakeholders and private companies across the UAE and abroad.

About NYU Abu Dhabi

https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/
NYU Abu Dhabi is the first comprehensive liberal arts and research campus in the Middle East to be operated abroad by a major American research university. Times Higher Education ranks NYU among the top 30 universities in the world, making NYU Abu Dhabi the highest-ranked university in the UAE and MENA region. NYU Abu Dhabi has integrated a highly selective undergraduate curriculum across the disciplines with a world center for advanced research and scholarship. The university enables its students in the sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and arts to succeed in an increasingly interdependent world and advance cooperation and progress on humanity’s shared challenges. NYU Abu Dhabi’s high-achieving students have come from over 120 countries and speak over 100 languages. Together, NYU's campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai form the backbone of a unique global university, giving faculty and students opportunities to experience varied learning environments and immersion in other cultures at one or more of the numerous study-abroad sites NYU maintains on six continents.

NYUAD is committed to upholding a culture of non-discrimination, anti-harassment, dignity, and mutual respect; providing equal access and opportunity; and fostering academic excellence in learning, research, and teaching.

Students are drawn from among the world’s best. They are bright, intellectually passionate, and committed to building a campus environment anchored in mutual respect, understanding, and care. The NYUAD undergraduate student body has garnered an impressive record of scholarships, graduate-school admissions, and other global honors. Graduate education is an area of growth for the University; the current graduate student population of over 100 students is expected to expand in the next decade as doctoral programs are developed.

Working for NYUAD

At NYUAD, we recognize that Abu Dhabi is more than where you work; it’s your home. In order for research staff to thrive, we offer a comprehensive benefits package. This starts with a generous relocation allowance; educational assistance for your dependents; access to health and wellness services; and more. NYUAD is committed to research staff success throughout the academic trajectory, providing support for ambitious and world-class research projects and innovative, interactive teaching approaches. Support for dual-career families is a priority. Visit our website for more information on benefits for you and your dependents.

NYUAD is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and seek individuals who will contribute to the excellence and vibrancy of our academic community.

Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates. In line with UAE regulations, Emirati candidates are encouraged to apply.

Join NYU Abu Dhabi, an exceptional place for exceptional people.

NYUAD values belonging and respect; such principles are fundamental to the university’s commitment to excellence. NYUAD is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and seek individuals who will contribute to our vibrant, multidisciplinary research and teaching community. Multidisciplinary research and exceptional teaching in a global campus community are hallmarks of the University’s mission.

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