Post-Doctoral Associate in the Division of Social Science (SSEL)

Role Overview

New York University Abu Dhabi’s Social Science Experimental Laboratory (SSEL) is looking for a post-doctoral researcher to join its team. The lab is seeking a motivated, highly trained, and collaborative scholar with a PhD in economics or a closely related discipline. Applicants should be within five years of earning their doctorate and bring strong experience in experimental research methods.

Candidates who work across experiments and other approaches such as theory or empirical analysis are especially welcome, as are researchers focused on human behavior and artificial intelligence.

What the Role Involves

• Develop, carry out, and publish original research in leading social science journals or related interdisciplinary publications.
• Work closely with SSEL board members and affiliated faculty on ongoing research and lab activities.
• Help ensure the laboratory runs efficiently and smoothly.
• Take part in the division’s academic events and scholarly activities.

Working Conditions and Support

This role does not involve teaching responsibilities. The SSEL will also provide funding support for travel and research activities.

The selected researcher will be part of a lively academic community of economists, sociologists, and political scientists engaged in advanced experimental work on human behavior. The division hosts seminar series, workshops, and events throughout the year, and the SSEL maintains strong links with the Center for Behavioral Institutional Design (CBID), creating opportunities for collaboration, exchange of ideas, and greater visibility for research.

The position comes with a competitive compensation package, comprehensive benefits including housing, transportation, travel allowances, and educational support for children, along with full health coverage and retirement contributions. Income is not taxed in the UAE.

Appointment Terms

The initial appointment is for two years and may be extended for at least one additional year if performance is satisfactory.

Application Materials

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Candidates should submit the following documents in PDF format:

• A cover letter
• A current curriculum vitae
• A job market paper
• Academic transcript
• A research statement that highlights relevant research experience
• At least three confidential reference letters

About NYU Abu Dhabi

NYU Abu Dhabi is the first comprehensive liberal arts and research campus in the Middle East run abroad by a major American research university. It combines a selective undergraduate education across disciplines with a global center for advanced research and scholarship. The university serves students from more than 120 countries and over 100 languages, and it operates as part of NYU’s global network across New York, Abu Dhabi, Shanghai, and study-abroad locations on six continents.

Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

NYU Abu Dhabi is committed to non-discrimination, anti-harassment, dignity, mutual respect, equal access, and equal opportunity. The university encourages applications from UAE Nationals and upholds a policy of equal treatment across all stages of hiring without discrimination on protected grounds.

Additional Information

For questions, contact Dr. Andrzej Baranski at a.baranski@nyu.edu or Dr. Nikos Nikiforakis at nikos.nikiforakis@nyu.edu.

Sustainability Statement

NYU aims to be among the greenest urban campuses in the country and to reach carbon neutrality by 2040.