Research Scholar – Integrated Assessment Modeling
JOB DETAIL
Research Scholar – Integrated Assessment Modeling
The Integrated Assessment and Climate Change (IACC) Research Group and Sustainable Service Systems (S3) Research Group within the IIASA Energy, Climate, and Environment (ECE) Program is recruiting a research scholar in Integrated Assessment Modeling.
background
The ECE Program hosts one of the world’s leading Integrated Assessment Modeling (IAM) teams focusing on systems transformations toward environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The Program employs a diverse set of cutting-edge systems, engineering, macroecomic and agent-based tools. The research focuses on trade-offs and synergies between multiple policy priorities and objectives, typically across multiple sectors and scales (global, regional, national, and subnational). ECE’s scientific outputs inform policy efforts related to climate change (e.g., implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement) as well as Financial actors and decision makers, such as the Network for Greening the Financial System (https://www.ngfs.net/ngfs-scenarios-portal/) and the UNEP-Finance Initiative (https://www.unepfi.org/).
The role
The successful candidate will work with a team of international scientists to further develop the MESSAGEix-GLOBIOM framework and apply the framework for the development, processing, and publication of scenarios for use by the financial sector.
tasks and responsibilities
- Contribute to the development of the global MESSAGEix-GLOBIOM model, the open source MESSAGEix modeling framework, and related software tools and data sets.
- Coordinate data exchange and interoperability with other modeling tools connected to the IAM framework, including, but not limited to, models that are relevant for representing the financial sector in IAMs (e.g., financial risk models).
- Develop methods to bridge across spatial and sectoral scales when providing integrated assessment modeling outputs to finance sector users.
- Develop guidance and documentation of integrated assessment models and climate scenarios for users in the financial sector.
- Publish relevant results in peer-reviewed journals and actively engage in dissemination efforts such as scientific conferences and workshops, stakeholder and policy events.
- Contribute to external fundraising/grant applications related to integrated assessment modeling and climate finance.
- Beyond conducting research related to the main areas highlighted above, the successful candidate is also expected to contribute to other ongoing and future projects and related deliverables, reports, stakeholder communication and capacity building activities.
- In line with the team spirit that prevails at IIASA, the incumbent may occasionally work on other tasks assigned by their superiors, that might not be directly related to this appointment but where the post holder has relevant experience and skills, and/or a shortage of immediate personnel capabilities requires such.
skills, qualifications and experience
- A PhD degree or Masters degree in a field related to integrated assessment modeling including economics, engineering, environmental science or energy systems.
- Demonstrated experience in tools and systems used by the ECE program (cf. MESSAGEix documentation) including
- Experience in a modern programming language, preferably Python, is essential,
- Experience with an optimization framework (e.g., GAMS, Pyomo, JuMP, etc.) is strongly preferred,
- Experience with integrated assessment modeling is an asset.
- Demonstrated ability to contribute to open-source projects, data provision and code-development, preferably using Git and GitHub.
- Demonstrated ability to develop, collaborate on, and publish scientific research through peer-reviewed publications.
- A degree of flexibility and willingness to travel.
- Fluency in English and excellent presentation skills.
- IIASA offers an interdisciplinary and international workplace and the possibility to interact with researchers of different nationalities, with strong ties to a world-wide network of research institutions engaged in environmental systems research. The successful candidate must be able to work in, and have respect for, an intercultural environment, and IIASA core values.
appointment terms
The successful candidate should be available to take up the position in October 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter. We offer an initial fixed-term, full-time employment contract for one year, with the possibility for extension thereafter. Eligible applicants wishing to work part-time hours may be considered.
Duties will be carried out at the IIASA premises in Laxenburg, near Vienna in Austria (up to 100 days per year home office working within Austria possible).
The successful candidate will be appointed in accordance with the IIASA profiles for research careers.
We offer
- An international atmosphere and pleasant working environment in a historic market town surrounded by green areas.
- The possibility to contribute to environmental sciences for sustainability and global wellbeing.
- The opportunity to deepen and improve knowledge and scientific profile.
- Career development perspectives.
- An attractive salary which is exempt from income tax in Austria and negotiable, based on the qualifications, skills and experience of the selected individual and at least:EUR 48,050.00 for R2 Research Scholars.
EUR 36,875.00 for R1 Researchers.In addition, IIASA salaries are:
- Subject to deductions for health insurance and/or social security.
- Not directly comparable with other employers in Austria, due to the unique legal status and privileges granted to IIASA.
- Subject to the principle of income aggregation (Progressionsvorbehalt in German).
OTHER BENEFITS
- Educational subsidies for children of school age enrolled in private schools in Austria.
- A generous annual leave entitlement.
- Moving and settlement allowances and paid home leave for employees in scientific and professional categories hired from international locations.
- The possibility to work up to 100 days per year in home office (within Austria).
- Assistance for newcomers to Austria with visa, work and residency permit applications.
- Support finding accommodation in Austria.
Further details here.
IIASA is committed to a working environment that promotes equality, diversity, tolerance and inclusion within its workforce. This is reflected in our IIASA core values. We encourage qualified candidates from all religious, ethnic, and social backgrounds to apply. In the case that candidates are equally qualified, preference will be given to applicants from countries where IIASA has a Member Organization.
For further information about this opportunity please contact:
Bas Van Ruijven S3 Research Group Leader.
For general information about working at IIASA, please contact: [email protected]
To apply for this opportunity, you will need to provide the following documents in English:
- A cover letter outlining your motivation for and fit to the position
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae
- The names, addresses (including e-mail), and telephone numbers of two reference givers.
Review of applications will begin immediately.
Deadline for receipt of applications: Until filled
