Post-Doctoral Fellow, Humanitarian Operations (HOPE) Lab

Location: Notre Dame, IN
Open Date: 2026-02-17
Deadline: Mar 19, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Description:The Humanitarian Operations - HOPE Lab at the Mendoza College of Business, University of Notre Dame, is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to start this Fall, 2026.

HOPE Lab builds and disseminates actionable knowledge through rigorous research into humanitarian operations management. One of our ongoing projects focuses on the social impact of artisanal gold mining in the Amazon Rainforest and involves collaboration with local NGOs. Local gold mining practices rely on mercury to separate gold from ore. Mercury poisons water, plants, and humans; the impact on human health and child development is catastrophic. Cleaner gold mining is a choice, but it requires aligning miners' incentives and upgrading their technology. The successful candidate will develop analytical models to understand and enhance coordination among artisanal miners, NGOs, and responsible gold buyers operating in environments with limited enforcement, information asymmetry, and weak verifiability. The final output will be written as manuscripts for submission to prestigious operations management journals. We are looking for a researcher with strong methodological skills and an interdisciplinary approach, capable of integrating economic theory, operations research, and sustainability policy to address real-world challenges in responsible supply chains and sustainable resource management.

The postdoctoral fellow position is for two years, and the salary is competitive. This position is based in South Bend, Indiana, USA.

HOPE Lab at the University of Notre Dame has five research areas: Optimizing post-disaster and development operations, Humanitarian operations management and armed conflict, Global supply chain management and decentralization, Donation and volunteer management, and Humanitarian information management.


Qualifications:
Ph.D. in Operations Management, Operations Research, Economics, Industrial Engineering, or a related field, completed or near completion at the time of appointment.

Strong analytical training in repeated games, relational contracting, and incentive-compatible mechanism design, particularly in contexts of imperfect monitoring and limited enforceability.

Experience developing behavioral or dynamic incentive models that translate into field-applicable mechanisms or pilot interventions is highly desirable.

Demonstrated ability (or strong potential) to publish in leading academic journals in Operations Management, Operations Research, or Economics.

Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to engage effectively across disciplines and with external stakeholders, including NGOs, government agencies, and industry partners.


To apply, visit https://apply.interfolio.com/181727

This appointment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Applicants will be asked to identify all felony convictions and/or pending felony charges. Felony convictions do not automatically bar an individual from employment. Each case will be examined separately to determine the appropriateness of employment in the particular position. Failure to be forthcoming or dishonesty with respect to felony disclosures can result in the disqualification of a candidate. The full procedure can be viewed at https://facultyhandbook.nd.edu/?id=link-73597.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.







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