Postdoctoral Research Fellow Opportunity in Sustainability Science at the University of Notre Dame (Keough School of Global Affairs)

The University of Notre Dame is now accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow position at the Keough School of Global Affairs, hosted by the Pulte Institute for Global Development. This prestigious role supports the research program of Professor Arun Agrawal, Professor of Sustainability and Director of the JTS Initiative.

This postdoctoral fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity for early-career scholars to contribute to high-impact, interdisciplinary research at the intersection of sustainability science, governance, and social-ecological systems. The successful candidate will be based on campus at the University of Notre Dame, with hybrid work arrangements considered only under exceptional circumstances.

About the Role

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will work closely with Professor Agrawal on ongoing and new research projects focused on sustainability transformations and governance of social-ecological systems. The position is designed for scholars with strong quantitative and data-driven research expertise who are interested in producing policy-relevant and academically rigorous outputs.

Key Responsibilities

The selected fellow will:

• Lead meta-analyses of large and complex datasets related to collective action and social-ecological systems to identify global sustainability patterns

• Develop, co-author, and submit original research articles to leading peer-reviewed journals in sustainability science, governance, and environmental policy

• Support interdisciplinary research collaboration across diverse academic fields

• Contribute to the broader research agenda of the Pulte Institute for Global Development

Required Qualifications

Applicants must:

• Hold a Ph.D. (completed by the start date) in Environmental Science, Economics, Sustainability Studies, Public Policy, or a closely related field with a strong quantitative focus

• Demonstrate advanced skills in data management, harmonization, and analysis

• Have strong programming experience using tools such as ArcGIS, QGIS, Google Earth Engine, R, Python, or similar software

• Show experience working with large-scale geospatial, temporal, or socioeconomic datasets

• Possess a strong publication record in sustainability research or related fields

• Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively

Interdisciplinary degree holders are strongly encouraged to apply.

Work Location and Employment Conditions

• Primary location: On campus at the University of Notre Dame

• Hybrid work arrangements: Considered only under exceptional circumstances

• Appointment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check

Application Process

The University of Notre Dame is using Interfolio Faculty Search to manage this recruitment process. Applicants will receive a free Interfolio Dossier account, allowing them to submit all required materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, at no cost.

Application materials are submitted through the official Interfolio system.

Apply here:
https://apply.interfolio.com (search for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow role at the University of Notre Dame, Keough School of Global Affairs)

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Notre Dame is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity. The institution does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age.

Key Dates

• Application Opened: 31 January 2026

• Application Deadline: 15 March 2026 at 11:59 PM (Eastern Time)

Visit the University of Notre Dame: Keough School of Global Affairs page for more information.

Click here for more Fellowship opportunities.