Energy and environmental data scientist
IIASA POLLUTION MANAGEMENT RESEARCH GROUP
The Pollution Management (PM) Research Group, within the IIASA Energy, Climate and Environment (ECE) Program is looking to recruit a motivated and talented researcher to work within a team analyzing feasible energy transitions and multiple benefits of environmental policy interventions.
background
The ECE program's vison is to provide evidence-based, scientific roadmaps for feasible systems transformations that simultaneously meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ambitious climate change mitigation targets. Emphasis is placed specifically on policy decisions and actions required in the short- to medium term to put the world on track to achieve long-term targets while assuring human health, wellbeing, and the reduction of social inequalities in a socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable manner.
The key modeling tool developed and used in the PM/ECE group is the Greenhouse gas โ Air pollution Interactions and Synergies (GAINS) model, which identifies cost-effective portfolios of measures that reduce the health effects of human exposure to ambient and indoor air pollution and contribute to climate and development targets.
Recognizing the ever more important role of non-CO2 greenhouse gasses and synergies between climate and air quality policies, the successful applicant will support the work on linking the primary ECE program models MESSAGEix and GAINS allowing for improved characterization of non-CO2 GHG mitigation potential and air pollution in the global MESSAGEiix applications and analysis of various MESSGEix scenarios in GAINS model at a finer source and spatial scales.
The work will build on existing model results, e.g., MESSAGEix, IEA, other global IAMs, regional modelsโ results implemented in GAINS, and extend/adapt them to new applications as arising in the future work of the PM and IACC groups in the ECE program at IIASA.
The purpose of the research is to inform policy efforts by providing global, regional, country- and city-specific assessments.
tasks and responsibilities
- Improve and co-develop links between GAINS and energy integrated assessment models, including MESSAGEix, GCAM, AIM, PRIMES, IEA, and others.
- In the mid- to long-term, support further development of the GAINS model.
- Support work on the downscaling (from regional to national, subnational, or even city scales) and quality assurance of various GAINS data improving representation of the respective input in GAINS.
- Support development of GAINS data quality checks and data analysis addressing various consistency aspects, especially for energy and industrial production, e.g., energy and pollution intensities within and across sectors and regions, including their evolution over time.
requirements
Educational Qualifications:
- PhD degree (or equivalent) or Masterโs degree (or equivalent) in energy science, technical or economic sciences, or environmental engineering.
Experience:
Working with relational databases and optimization systems, Programming in structured languages such as Python, Preferred: Experience with relational (SQL-based) databases and/or optimization modeling systems (e.g., GAMS).Skills:
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 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
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 negotiable, based on the qualifications, skills and experience of the selected individual and at least EUR 39,825.00 for R1 researchers/EUR 51,894.00 for R2 research scholars (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 here.
About IIASA
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.
Further Information
For further information about this opportunity please contact:
Zbigniew Klimont, PM Research Group Leader
For general information about working at IIASA, please contact: recruitment@iiasa.ac.at
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. Deadline for receipt of applications: until filled