The Pollack Research Group in the School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability at the University of Iowa seeks a postdoctoral researcher interested in producing insights, tools, and decision support for flood risk-management. The position will be advised by Professor Adam Pollack and is designed for an interdisciplinary scholar.

The postdoctoral researcher will develop and lead an independent research agenda aligned with the group’s focus on flood risk management and decision analysis for wicked social planning problems. Potential project focuses include flood-risk infrastructure planning, disaster recovery processes and outcomes, insurance program externalities, or uncertainty in climate damage attribution. The specific project focus will be defined jointly with the postdoc based on interests and expertise, with the expectation that the fellow will take ownership of a well-scoped research direction.

Research activities may combine quantitative modeling and statistical analysis with literature synthesis, interviews, workshops, and other forms of engagement relevant to decision-support and policy contexts. The position emphasizes cross-sector engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the development of publishable work (peer-reviewed and otherwise) that supports real-world impact and an independent research trajectory.

This is a full-time, in-residence position at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA, with a start date as early as June 1, 2026. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal contingent on funding. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience.

PhD in Sustainability, Geography, Earth or Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Public Policy and Administration, or a closely related field, with degree conferred by the position start date.

• Demonstrated research experience related to climate-risk assessment, decision analysis, or closely related concepts.


• Interest in policy-relevant research that involves uncertainty, trade-offs, and polycentric governance.


• Strong quantitative skills, including experience with statistical analysis and/or computational modeling.


• Proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g., Python, Julia, R, MATLAB).


• Ability to work independently and take ownership of a well-scoped research project, from conceptualization through dissemination.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present research to both academic and non-academic audiences.


• Willingness to engage with practitioners, policymakers, and other external partners as part of applied, decision-relevant research.

• Experience applying or developing flood risk assessment methods and decision-support tools.


• Experience with qualitative or mixed methods (e.g., interviews, workshops, participatory processes) in support of decision-making.


• Prior work involving interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary research teams.


• Comfort working in research settings that involve high uncertainty, iterative design, and co-production with external partners.