IIASA Deputy Director General for Science (DDGS)

International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Laxenburg, Austria

IIASA, a world-renowned research organization, is pleased to announce an exciting vacancy for the Deputy Director General for Science (DDGS). The incumbent is expected to provide interdisciplinary scientific leadership and ensure that IIASA research stays at the forefront of scientific endeavor.

the position

The Deputy Director General for Science (DDGS) provides interdisciplinary leadership to the Institute and ensures that IIASA research stays at the forefront of scientific endeavor. This requires IIASA to make real-world policy impact, to drive sustainable development and to contribute to human wellbeing. The incumbent is responsible for the overall coordination of IIASA research activities, mentoring scholars and leading a team of program directors and scientific support units to deliver on the strategic and research goals of the Institute. The position holder deputizes for the IIASA Director General (DG) in all crucial instances and takes co-responsibility for steering IIASA as part of the executive team.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

In close consultation with the IIASA Director General (DG), the Deputy Director General for Science (DDGS) is required to:

Skills and requirEments

Applicants must have a PhD in a field relevant to IIASA research as well as exceptional scientific credentials and broad recognition by the international scientific community. This includes a proven track record of high-impact peer reviewed publications, demonstrated ability to garner external funding and appropriate peer driven awards and recognitions. The successful candidate will have experience in leading interdisciplinary research groups, change management and broad scientific knowledge in a wide range of natural and social sciences including mathematics, as well as an appreciation and understanding of the application of systems analysis approaches to global and universal problems. The incumbent must have ample leadership experience in progressively higher research management positions in addition to excellent organizational, communication and diplomatic skills. Experience in national and international policy making processes and science-based decision making would be an advantage.

Appointment terms

The position is full-time, and an early start would be preferable. An initial fixed-term appointment of five (5) years will be offered, with the possibility of extension by mutual consent between the IIASA Council, the IIASA Director General (DG), and the incumbent. The place of work is Laxenburg, Austria and the incumbent is expected to travel frequently as part of their duties. Salary and benefits are competitive with comparable international organizations.

the institute

IIASA, headquartered outside Vienna, Austria, is an interdisciplinary, international research institute that applies systems analysis to identify integrated solutions and policy insights to current, emerging, and novel global sustainability challenges, threats, and opportunities.

IIASA is the primary multidisciplinary science institute for solving world-wide problems in the areas of climate, environment and natural resources, energy, risk and resilience, population, and societal dynamics using applied systems approaches.

IIASA research program undertakes research across, and at the intersection of natural, human, social, knowledge and technology systems, to support development of integrated solutions to global sustainability challenges. To advance this agenda, the Institute draws on decades of experience in advancing systems analysis methodology and tools and applying them to, inter alia, transboundary air pollution, energy utilization, risk management, integrated land management, technological evolution, population dynamics, and social and economic transition. The research at IIASA is organized in broad multidisciplinary research programs that collaborate extensively to resolve complex global change matters. The research activities are highly solution-oriented, aiming to provide the scientific evidence-base to solve some of the most pertinent global problems. IIASA is therefore playing an important role in providing policy advice to international as well as national decision-making bodies. With the recent expansion in IIASA membership beyond the industrialized nations, the Institute increasingly includes capacity building in systems analysis and approaches as a vital component of collaborative research, educational programs, and outreach activities. This is available to members globally, PhD students, postdocs, and other researchers from around the world.

The Institute is a membership organization of 21 national and regional member organizations that represent their national/regional research communities, coupled with competitive grants won from foundations, international institutions, and other research agencies.

About IIASA

IIASA is committed to a working environment that promotes equality, diversity, tolerance and inclusion within its workforce. This is reflected in our Core Values. The Institute encourages applications from all qualified candidates.

Further Information

If you have further questions, you may contact the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Kazu Takemoto via the Council Secretary (drinkovs@iiasa.ac.at).

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

To apply, please submit:

1. A letter of application describing how your skills and experience meet the qualifications and criteria above as well as a brief statement about your interest in the IIASA DDGS position;2. A CV including a description of scientific and professional achievements and bibliography (including list of publications, fundraising record, scientific outreach, and supervisory responsibilities), and

3. The names and full contact details (including email addresses) of three (3) professional references, and links to, DOIs (or copies of) five (5) publications.

Review of applications will begin on 16 October 2023, but applications may be accepted until a Deputy Director General for Science (DDGS) is selected. In the case that candidates are equally qualified, preference will be given to applicants who are nationals of IIASA member organizations. Deadline for receipt of applications: until filled.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

To apply, please submit:

1. A letter of application describing how your skills and experience meet the qualifications and criteria above as well as a brief statement about your interest in the IIASA DDGS position;2. A CV including a description of scientific and professional achievements and bibliography (including list of publications, fundraising record, scientific outreach, and supervisory responsibilities), and

3. The names and full contact details (including email addresses) of three (3) professional references, and links to, DOIs (or copies of) five (5) publications.

Review of applications will begin on 16 October 2023, but applications may be accepted until a Deputy Director General for Science (DDGS) is selected. In the case that candidates are equally qualified, preference will be given to applicants who are nationals of IIASA member organizations. Deadline for receipt of applications: until filled.