Research Scientist

Position Summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a Research Scientist to direct, perform and attract funding for research in its Institute for Risk Management and Insurance Innovation ( IRMII ). This research involves a unique set of skills and expertise to be used in developing computational models that characterize and manage financial risk across a wide range of contexts, from flooding to pandemics to cyberattacks. This includes knowledge of engineering, data science and domain specific expertise in at least one additional area related to financial risk (e.g., environment, public health). Outcomes from this research involve (1) quantification of financial risk through the linking of models that characterize natural, engineered/managed and economic systems, and (2) the subsequent development of novel tools and strategies for managing financial risk. The successful candidate will engage in the development of interdisciplinary computational models that link natural, engineered/managed and economic systems for the purpose of quantifying financial risk, and then develop tools and strategies for managing that risk. Model development will include detailed computational renderings of these coupled systems in a stochastic simulation environment. These projects will span a range of regions (e.g., California, U.S. Pacific Northwest, U.S. Southeast, Africa) and a number of different economic sectors (e.g., power utilities, water utilities, agriculture, real estate, health care facilities), requiring an understanding of the financial linkages in these sectors, as well as the modeling skills to represent them accurately. In addition to model development, this individual will undertake to train graduate students and post-doctoral researchers in the conduct of this research and oversee their modeling efforts, then assist in the drafting of manuscripts, reports and oral presentations detailing the research.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

The successful candidate must have experience in computational modeling that includes elements of engineering, natural science, economics and finance. Experience must also extend to developing interdisciplinary models that incorporate principles from each of these areas into a cohesive whole that enables the characterization of financial risk and subsequent strategies for managing this risk. Computational modeling skills are critical, as is fluency in one or more programming languages (e.g., Python, R, C++). The individual should have the ability to foster partnerships across diverse areas of research expertise and the ability to facilitate collaboration with other institutions, industry partners, and funding agencies. The individual should also have experience in manuscript writing.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

At least 3 years of relevant experience would be preferred. Research experience that would support the case for an eventual appointment as a research or adjunct faculty member at some future point would be a plus.