Research Associate: Trends in ESG Investing Research - NYU Stern CSB

The project: An estimated one in every four dollars in the US is invested under some environmental, social, or governance (ESG) screen or engagement process. Yet the underlying causes of when and how sustainability pays off financially are often unclear. How does investing in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) drive corporate financial performance and market performance? To answer this question we are partnering with Rockefeller Capital Management and will collect and analyze academic research published within the last five years. Relevant studies will consider the corporate vs investment perspective, the mechanisms of how sustainability drives financial success, and a deep dive into investor-based research and climate change action.

New York University’s Stern Center for Sustainable Business (Stern CSB) is a rapidly growing team that shares the common vision for A Better World Through Better Business. With this vision, the Stern CSB seeks to accelerate the global transition to the next phase of capitalism—a system whose broader aim is to create long-term, sustainable stakeholder value—through its research, teaching, and work with corporate and non-profit partners.

Benefits of working with the Stern CSB: This is a fixed-term contract over the course of 4-6 months for the first half of 2020 (Jan–May 2020) with a potential to start in 2019. This is a part-time role (10-20 hrs / week maximum) and flexible depending on the stage of the project. Remuneration is based on experience. In addition, you will work with a collaborative team of sustainability professionals in an intellectually stimulating environment that offers ample opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Your contribution to the Stern CSB team: In joining the Stern CSB team, you will be an active contributor in research and management for this project. You will help shape our project outcome and engage in ongoing discussions with members of the Stern CSB team and 3rd party experts in the sustainability field. A key requirement for the RM conducting this comprehensive literature review is to recruit, guide and supervise a team of up to four research assistants (NYU students). As part of your role, you will be conducting a review and evaluation of the themes and insights that emerge from the literature. You will help us conceptualize and structure the setup and support the team in developing practical recommendations for finance professionals. You will work directly with the Director of Academic Research and, if salient, collaborate with external experts and our project partners.

Your experience: Given the expectations described above, you should have 3-5 years of research experience in the field of finance, accounting, economics or a similar field that is familiar with the language and trends pertaining to ESG investing. You bring a proven track-record in supervising students and helping them deliver research tasks. As part of your project management experience, you are able to set up a work flow that enables team members to contribute effectively and holds them accountable. Strong organizational skills allow you to work under time constraints and manage different tasks concurrently.

Required is some experience related to ESG investing, so that you are able to summarize contemporary issues in assessing corporate financial performance. Preferred but not required are quantitative and Microsoft Excel skills and prior experience analyzing ESG data. Preferred but not required are qualitative coding skills and knowledge of data analysis software such as NVivo. Training or experience conducting large-scale literature reviews or meta-analyses are a plus.

EOE/AA/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Application instructions: To apply, please email uatz@stern.nyu.edu with your resume, cover letter, and a writing sample that illustrates your research capabilities.

Application deadline: December 3, 2019.