Postdoctoral Fellow in Humanitarian Operations Management and Responsible Supply Chains

The Humanitarian Operations (HOPE) Lab at the Mendoza College of Business, University of Notre Dame, invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral fellow position in Humanitarian Operations Management. The HOPE Lab is dedicated to building and disseminating actionable knowledge through rigorous research into humanitarian operations, with a current focus on the social impact of artisanal gold mining in the Amazon Rainforest. This project involves collaboration with local NGOs and addresses the environmental and human health consequences of mercury use in gold extraction. The research aims to develop analytical models to enhance coordination among artisanal miners, NGOs, and responsible gold buyers, particularly in environments characterized by limited enforcement, information asymmetry, and weak verifiability. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of incentive-compatible mechanisms and field-applicable interventions, integrating economic theory, operations research, and sustainability policy. The final research outputs are expected to be submitted to leading operations management journals. The position is based in South Bend, Indiana, USA, and offers a competitive salary for a two-year term. Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in Operations Management, Operations Research, Economics, Industrial Engineering, or a related field, completed or near completion. Required qualifications include strong analytical training in repeated games, relational contracting, and incentive-compatible mechanism design, especially in contexts of imperfect monitoring and limited enforceability. Experience with behavioral or dynamic incentive models and a demonstrated ability or strong potential to publish in top academic journals are highly desirable. Excellent communication and collaboration skills are essential, as the role involves interdisciplinary engagement and collaboration with NGOs, government agencies, and industry partners. To apply, candidates should submit their application via the provided Interfolio link by March 19, 2026. For more information, applicants may contact Professor Alfonso J. Pedraza-Martinez, the Greg and Patty Fox Collegiate Professor of IT, Analytics and Operations, and Director of the HOPE Lab at the University of Notre Dame. Keywords: Humanitarian Operations, Operations Management, Responsible Supply Chains, Sustainability Policy, Operations Research, Economic Theory, Incentive Mechanisms, Artisanal Gold Mining, Amazon Rainforest, NGO Collaboration.