Junior Research Scientist, Social Science Division (CITIES) - LANDMark

Role Overview

New York University Abu Dhabi’s Center for Interacting Urban Networks (CITIES) is looking for a Junior Research Scientist to contribute to the LANDMark project, which focuses on land economics. The role supports research across a set of interconnected themes covering land, markets, public policy, and political economy.

Research Themes

• Estimating land prices, especially through imputation-based methods.
• Studying what drives land values, including public infrastructure such as transport, healthcare, and education.
• Analyzing macroeconomic stability and instability when land is treated as a fixed, non-produced asset.
• Examining land wealth taxation as an alternative to consumption and capital taxation.
• Exploring the political economy of land and related taxation policies.
• Investigating land, fixed resources, and political conflict.

What You Will Do

The selected candidate will help advance research in one or more of the areas above and contribute to ongoing interdisciplinary projects within the center. Collaboration across economics and other quantitative or policy-oriented fields is encouraged.

About the Project

LANDMark (Land Assets, National Development And Markets) is a six-year research initiative funded for 2027–2032 and led by Professor Etienne Wasmer, who heads the Economics program at NYU Abu Dhabi. The project brings together an international research community focused on land-related questions. Its core team includes four postdoctoral researchers, and it encourages joint work with scholars in economics, engineering, computer science, and political science.

About CITIES and NYU Abu Dhabi

CITIES is an interdisciplinary research center at NYU Abu Dhabi dedicated to urban science and practical, high-impact research for society. It connects faculty across NYUAD’s four divisions with collaborators from the NYU Global Network and partners from the UAE and beyond. NYU Abu Dhabi is a globally recognized research university in the UAE with a strong commitment to academic excellence, inclusion, and multidisciplinary scholarship.

Application and Selection Details

Applications are being reviewed right away and will remain open until the position is filled. The earliest possible start date is January 1, 2027. Applicants should be prepared to provide a cover letter, CV, research statement, transcript or degree document, and contact details for 2–3 referees who may be contacted during hiring. The research statement should describe specific projects the candidate hopes to lead within CITIES and possible collaborators at the center.

Eligibility and Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate holds an MSc or MA in economics or another quantitative discipline and has earned the degree no more than five years ago. The role suits someone who enjoys interdisciplinary teamwork and has practical research exposure in land-related areas broadly defined to include housing, macroeconomics, labor, urban and spatial economics, political economy, and conflict.

Workplace and Benefits

NYU Abu Dhabi offers a benefits package that includes a relocation allowance, educational support for dependents, access to health and wellness services, and additional support for research staff. The university also emphasizes support for dual-career families and a work environment grounded in respect, belonging, and equal opportunity.

Equal Opportunity and Sustainability

NYU Abu Dhabi welcomes applications from all qualified candidates and encourages Emirati applicants in line with UAE regulations. The institution maintains a non-discrimination and anti-harassment culture and is committed to sustainability, including its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2040.

Contact

For questions about the role, candidates may contact nyuad.cities@nyu.edu.