Postdoctoral Associate in Behavioral and Experimental Social Science
About the company
NYU Abu Dhabi is pioneering a new model of higher education for a global world, dedicated to excellence in teaching and research and to advancing cooperation and progress on humanity’s shared challenges. Drawing on the strengths of the NYU global network, it offers an outstanding liberal arts and sciences education to students from the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and around the world, with a distinctive focus on intercultural understanding and leadership. It supports innovative research and graduate education programs that push forward the frontiers of knowledge and respond in powerful and interdisciplinary ways to vital global and local challenges.
The postdoctoral associate will join an active and interdisciplinary social science community of over 20 postdoctoral associates and 70 faculty members. They will be encouraged to participate in relevant seminars, workshops, research centers, and visiting-speaker activities. The position also includes regular research meetings and mentoring. The position does not require teaching, although compensated teaching opportunities may be available. Support for conference travel and research dissemination will be provided in accordance with Division of Social Science policies.
Your tasks
We invite applications for a postdoctoral associate in the Division of Social Science at NYU Abu Dhabi. Applicants should have, or expect to receive before the appointment begins, a PhD in economics, management or organizational behavior, sociology, public policy, data science, or a closely related discipline, and should have received their doctoral degree within the past five years. The appointment will begin September 1, 2027, subject to final budget approval, and is available for up to three years.
The postdoctoral associate will spend half of their time on independent research and half on collaborative research with professors Berkay Özcan and Ernesto Reuben. Collaborative projects will draw on behavioral and experimental economics and related areas of social science. Potential topics include individual and group decision-making, social norms and cooperation, inequality and discrimination, labor-market and organizational outcomes, and the behavioral implications of emerging technologies. The portfolio may include laboratory, online, survey, and field studies, sometimes linked to administrative or digital data. The successful candidate is not expected to work in every area; specific projects will reflect shared interests and research needs.
Requirements
We seek a candidate with expertise in experimental or behavioral research methods and quantitative analysis, and with experience designing and implementing laboratory, online, survey, or field studies. The successful candidate will help develop research questions and study designs, prepare protocols and preregistrations, and create survey instruments and behavioral tasks. The postdoctoral associate will also coordinate pilots and data collection, build reproducible workflows for data management and causal analysis, and prepare manuscripts and presentations. They will take intellectual ownership of substantial project components, contribute as a coauthor, and develop an independent research agenda.
What we offer
At NYU Abu Dhabi, 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. NYU Abu Dhabi 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.
How to apply
Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae with a full publication list, transcript, statement of research interests, and two letters of reference, all in PDF format.
We will consider applications starting from December 1, 2026 until the position is filled.
Other
NYU Abu Dhabi 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.
NYU Abu Dhabi values belonging and respect; such principles are fundamental to the university’s commitment to excellence. NYU Abu Dhabi 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.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement NYU is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its recruitment and hiring process without regard to age, alienage, caregiver status, childbirth, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, domestic violence victim status, ethnicity, familial status, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national origin, parental status, partnership status, predisposing genetic characteristics, pregnancy, race, religion, reproductive health decision making, sex, sexual orientation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. All interested persons are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.