Researcher in statistical demographic modeling

Multidimensional Demographic Modeling (MDM) research group

The in the IIASA is looking to recruit a statistical researcher to support the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Mozambique Population Support Analysis (MOZPSA) report.

The successful candidate will have a strong quantitative background, and support the project team in providing an integrated assessment of the country's population dynamics, issues related to gender and youth, sexual and reproductive health, and their relationships to social, economic, political, and cultural processes, taking into account the nation's notable developments and changes, and environmental and climate change issues.

background

The POPJUS Program strives to produce empirical-based research focusing on human and social dimensions of global change processes. With human population and behavior being one of the key drivers of transformational change toward sustainable and resilient societies, the program applies and develops innovative approaches and perspectives to study population phenomena that include population aging, health and human wellbeing, human capital formation, and migration drivers and patterns. Insights into current and future population sizes, structures, and distributions are fundamental to understanding human impacts on ecosystems and simultaneously, the impact of environmental changes on human wellbeing differentiated by sub-populations. Within the POPJUS program, the MDM research group aims to advance demographic modeling methods to assess and forecast population dynamics with a focus on demographic and spatial heterogeneity under different socioeconomic scenarios at the global, national, and sub-national levels. The group has a strong focus on population forecasting using a scenario-based approach allowing for aligning future demographic components with socioeconomic scenarios. The group also carries out innovative, policy-relevant research at the local and regional level.

main tasks and responsibilities

• Support the collection and cleaning of relevant data at the micro and macro level. Prepare and manage data sources for the project.
• Use statistical tools and visualization techniques to understand the data's underlying patterns, distributions, and relationships.
• Create visualizations to effectively communicate findings and insights for the report content and to stakeholders.
• Contribute actively to the analysis for project, especially with data analysis and on topics related to the analysis of drivers of demographic change at the sub-national level.
• Write sections of the report and/or present results.
• Cross-Disciplinary Work: Engage frequently with IT and software development teams to ensure seamless integration of data solutions into existing systems.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in quantitative social sciences, statistics, economics, demography, sociology or other related fields.
• Interest in the topic of wellbeing and human development. Experience working in this area of research is desirable.
• Proven competence in statistics/econometrics and experience with relevant statistical packages, e.g., R, STATA or Python; experience in demographic modeling, population projections or scenario building advantageous.
• Experience with data processing and handling of large-scale datasets at the micro and macro level. Skills in handling geospatial data are desirable.
• Full fluency in English (written and spoken); knowledge of Portuguese a plus.
• Innovative and critical thinking, and proven independence in conducting research.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to actively collaborate within a multi-disciplinary environment, engage with stakeholders to communicate and devise research strategies, and contribute to capacity-building efforts.
• 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

Appointment terms

The successful candidate should be available to take up the position as soon as possible in 2024. We offer an initial fixed-term, full-time employment contract until 31 December 2025. Eligible applicants wishing to work part-time hours may also be considered.

Duties will be carried out at the IIASA premises in Laxenburg, near Vienna in Austria (some travel necessary).

The successful candidate will be appointed in accordance with the.

We offer

• 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 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 and negotiable, based on the qualifications, skills and experience of the selected individual and at least: EUR 39,825.00 gross per annum (subject to deductions for health insurance and/or social security).

IIASA salaries are:

• 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 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 .

About IIASA

IIASA is committed to a working environment that promotes equality, diversity, tolerance and inclusion within its workforce. This is reflected in our and the . 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 .

Further Information

For further information about this opportunity please contact:

, POPJUS Program Director

For general information about working at IIASA, please contact:

Applications

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 and continue until the position has been filled.