Researcher in Integrated Assessment Modeling

The within the IIASA is recruiting a Researcher in Integrated Assessment Modeling with an emphasis on integrated modeling of energy systems and material stocks and flows.

background

The ECE Program at IIASA hosts one of the world’s leading global Integrated Assessment Modeling (IAM) teams, and seeks to deepen the understanding of rapid, just, and feasible systems transformations toward environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Interdisciplinary teams within ECE use these and complementary methods to study 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 international and national policy efforts related to climate change (e.g., implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement) and sustainable development (e.g., pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals).

We seek a strong candidate who can support advancing the integration of material stocks and flows into the MESSAGEix integrated assessment modeling framework as a key aspect of this broader research agenda. The Researcher will contribute to developing modeling methods and data to study the characteristics of transitions towards GHG neutrality. This research will include, but is not limited to:

• Development and application of the , the open source , and related software and data sets.
• Complementary, quantitative analysis of the industry sector with a focus of material cycles and linking material demand to the underlying energy services (e.g., housing, mobility).
• Analysis of the impacts of material efficiency, reuse and recycling strategies on energy use and GHG emissions.
• Analysis of the implications of sharing economy approaches and behavioral change (e.g., modal shift in transport) on demand for materials.
• Development of low energy and material demand scenarios, through narratives incorporating all of the above phenomena.
• Design and execution of model-to-model linkages, such as between sectoral models and IAMs.

The successful candidates will work with a team of international scientists in the ECE program and other programs and groups at IIASA to further develop the and in particular the open-source .

main tasks and responsibilities

• Perform in-depth literature reviews of existing technologies and investigate novel mitigation approaches.
• Contribute to the development of the global MESSAGEix-GLOBIOM model, the open source MESSAGEix modeling framework, and related software tools and data sets.
• Analyze, process, and utilize large-scale panel and geospatial datasets.
• Investigate, prepare, and analyze integrated assessment model scenario campaigns in conjunction with senior researchers within the IACC and research groups.
• Develop and document version-controlled collaborative modelling code that allows to re-process data and analyze datasets and model results.
• Maintain and disseminate relevant datasets according to FAIR data principles.
• 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 ongoing and future projects and related deliverables, reports, stakeholder communication and capacity building activities.

skills, qualifications and experience

• A master's or equivalent degree in a field related to integrated assessment modeling including natural sciences, economics, engineering, environmental science or mathematics.
• Demonstrated experience in tools and systems used by the ECE program (cf. ) 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 or energy systems modeling is an asset.
• Knowledge of and experience with Industrial Ecology methods and data, including lifecycle assessment, material flow analysis and input-output analysis is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to open-source projects, data provision and code-development, 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

Appointment terms

The successful candidate should be available to take up the position as soon as possible in 2025. 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.

The place of work is IIASA in Laxenburg, near Vienna Austria.

The successful candidate will be appointed in accordance with the.

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 41,020.00 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 hired from international locations.
• 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:

, IACC Research Group

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.
• An example of an existing software (coding) project or application.
• 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.