Researcher – Climate Change and Migration to and within Europe
JOB DETAIL
Researcher – Climate Change and Migration to and within Europe
The Migration and Sustainable Development (MIG) Research Group, part of the Population and Just Societies (POPJUS) Program, is looking to recruit a postdoctoral research scholar to work on the project “Quantifying the Impacts of Climate Change on Migration to and within Europe” (CCMIG-EU). The successful candidate will have a strong quantitative background.
the role
The role involves analyzing how climatic factors influence migration and human mobility, with a focus on Europe and Austria. The project, funded by the Austrian Climate Research Program (ACRP), is conducted in collaboration with leading researchers and policymakers.
Key tasks include:
- Assessing the impacts of climate change and extreme weather on migration using statistical data.
- Developing future migration projections based on climate and socioeconomic scenarios.
- Examining how EU and Austrian policymakers engage with climate-migration research.
This project aims to provide scientific insights to inform policy and adaptation efforts. If you have expertise in migration studies, climate science, or related fields, we encourage you to apply!
Main tasks and responsibilities
- Under the guidance of the Principal Investigator (PI), lead analysis of climate impacts on past and future migration in Europe.
- Collect, manage, and analyze relevant micro- and macro-level data.
- Conduct statistical analyses on climate-driven human mobility.
- Develop migration scenarios under climate change with project stakeholders.
- Present research at conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
- Engage with partners and stakeholders to share findings.
Requirements
- Doctoral degree with a background in quantitative social sciences, climate science, data science, economics, demography, geography or related fields.
- Interest in migration in the context of climate change; research experience preferred.
- Strong skills in statistics/econometrics and empirical modeling (R, STATA, Python).
- Experience developing research plans, data collection, and analysis.
- Proficiency handling large-scale datasets at micro and macro levels, including climate and geospatial data.
- Strong data visualization skills (e.g., ggplot2).
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- Critical thinking, independence, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills.
- Willingness to engage with stakeholders and communicate research findings.
- 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 selected candidate should be available to take up the position in May 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter. We offer an initial fixed-term, one-year, full-time (40 hours per week) employment contract, with the possibility of extension for up to two years thereafter. Eligible applicants wishing to work part-time hours (min. 20 per week) may also be considered.
The place of work is at the IIASA premises in Laxenburg, near Vienna in Austria.
The successful candidate will be appointed as a research scholar (R2) in accordance with the IIASA profiles for research careers.
We offer
- The possibility to contribute to environmental sciences for sustainability and global wellbeing.
- Career development perspectives.
- An international atmosphere and pleasant working environment in a historic market town surrounded by green areas.
- An attractive salary which is exempt from income tax in Austria and negotiable, based on the qualifications, skills and experience of the selected individual but at least:
EUR 53,451.00 (full-time). - Salaries quoted are:
- Gross per annum (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.
- Relocation allowances and paid home leave.
- 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 and the IIASA Gender Equality Plan (GEP). 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
Lisa Thalheimer Research Scholar, MIG research group
For general information about working at IIASA, contact: [email protected]
To apply, please submit the following documents in English (pdf format) by clicking on the apply button below:
- A cover letter outlining your motivation and fit to the position.
- Your CV.
- The names and contact details of three reference givers.
Deadline for receipt of applications: 24 March 2025
