Yale University

Position Title/Short Description

Full Text of JOE Listing:

The Tobin Center for Economic Policy at Yale University seeks an exceptional candidate for a one-year, full-time Postdoctoral Associate appointment in the Tobin-Cowles Health Economics & Policy Program for the 2026-2027 academic year. Professors Zack Cooper and Janet Currie jointly lead this program.

This position provides an excellent opportunity for an early-career economist to develop and advance high-impact, top-tier research at the intersection of economics and health policy under the mentorship of Profs. Cooper and Currie. Ideal candidates will have experience conducting research relevant, strong empirical and analytical skills, and the ability to work collaboratively.

We seek candidates whose research interests align with one or both of the following areas of inquiry:
- Child Health Policy (Janet Currie): environmental threats to child health, child mental health, the long-run impact of early-life health, socioeconomic differences in health, and physician behavior more generally.
- Health Care Markets and Spending (Zack Cooper): competition in hospital and insurance markets, the functioning of health care markets, the drivers of variation and growth in U.S. health spending, and how rising health care spending affects the broader economy.

The Postdoctoral Associate will gain valuable experience conducting health policy economics research, contributing to an agreed-upon project portfolio, and advancing their own research portfolio. The candidate will also participate in the program’s activities, including seminars and conferences, be open to opportunities for research collaboration, and provide consultations to graduate students interested in health policy.

Applicants must have completed their PhD prior to the start of the position. Given the one-year term, preference will be given to candidates who have secured a subsequent academic position that will begin after the fellowship year. The salary complies with Yale’s Office of Postdoctoral Affairs compensation policy and includes a comprehensive benefits package.