Policy Analyst, Heat Policy Innovation Hub, Nicholas Institute

Work Arrangement: Requisition Number: 268034 Regular or Temporary: Regular Location: Durham, NC, US, 27710 Personnel Area: UNIVERSITY Date: Mar 23, 2026 Duke University:
Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Be You. Be Bold. Choose Duke.

Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the Policy Analyst with the Heat Policy Innovation Hub (HPIH), you’ll be part of the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability, which advances Duke University’s commitment to sustainability and resilience through research, education, and policy engagement.


The Heat Policy Innovation Hub leads actionable research and strategic partnerships to advance governance, finance, and public health solutions for extreme heat. Through the Bridging Divides initiative, the Hub quantifies the economic costs of heat-related impacts and translates those findings into decision-ready knowledge tools for policymakers, investors, and communities. Bridging Divides integrates epidemiology, economics, geospatial analysis, and policy translation to shift extreme heat from an abstract climate risk to a measurable financial and governance priority.


In this role, you’ll join a collaborative, interdisciplinary team and help transform complex research into insights that inform real-world decisions and strengthen community resilience.

Be Bold.

The Policy Analyst supports the Bridging Divides initiative by contributing to the quantification of heat-related impacts and their associated economic costs. Your work will help elevate extreme heat as a critical public health, economic, and policy issue—informing strategies that improve outcomes for communities across the country and beyond.

What You’ll Do:

• Collaborate with senior researchers, economists, and data scientists to support development and refinement of economic cost models related to heat exposure
• Conduct systematic literature reviews and evidence synthesis on heat-related impacts and economic burden estimation
• Identify, evaluate, manage, and document datasets including health, mortality, climate, demographic, and labor productivity data
• Support quantitative and geospatial analysis of heat exposure, vulnerability, and impacts
• Assist with benefit-cost analysis and valuation of heat-related impacts and potential interventions
• Translate epidemiological findings into monetized economic impacts
• Prepare technical memos documenting analytical methods, assumptions, and validation steps
• Draft policy briefs, public reports, white papers, legislative summaries, and slide decks
• Translate complex findings into accessible language for non-technical audiences
• Monitor policy developments related to climate adaptation, public health, and economic resilience
• Support decision-support tools for cities and other jurisdictions
• Plan and support workshops, roundtables, and stakeholder briefings
• Assist with grant proposals, reporting, and data governance practices
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate research assistants as appropriate

What You Bring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as economics, public policy, environmental policy, statistics, data science, geography, or a similar discipline. Master’s degree or other advanced degree preferred.

Experience

At least two years of experience in policy analysis, research, data analysis, or a related role. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. Preference for three to four years of relevant experience.

Skills and Expertise

• Economic analysis, cost-of-impact estimation, or benefit-cost analysis
• Strong quantitative skills and experience working with large datasets
• Proficiency in Excel and R, Python, or Stata
• Ability to synthesize and communicate complex findings
• Strong written, verbal, organizational, and project management skills

Choose Duke.

Duke University is committed to fostering an inclusive, collaborative community where all voices are valued. At Duke, your work will have real-world impact—helping to build a more resilient and equitable future.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply now and help us build a stronger, smarter, and more connected future.

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $51,510.00 to USD $96,900.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at:

Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information andreasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: [email protected]; phone: 919-668-1267).

Nearest Major Market: Durham

Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh