Research Scholar - climate & health
The Sustainable Service Systems (S3) Research Group in the IIASA Energy, Climate, and Environment (ECE) Program invites applications for a research scholar to join our dynamic team working at the intersection of climate, health and socioeconomic development.
the role
The successful candidate will join an international and an interdisciplinary project, and focus on developing and expanding the use of scenarios for the climate-health interface and will play an active role in our programโs expanding portfolio on health and climate.
main tasks and responsibilities
Lead statistical analyses and modeling of key metrics of global disease burdens. Develop projections of baseline health-related trends and scenarios of climate-sensitive health indicators. Contribute to the conceptualization of adaptation pathways for health. Support the coordination of health-related activities across the ECE program, including those related to indoor and outdoor air pollution, inequality, behavior, diets, and climate impacts. Prepare the relevant deliverables, reports, stakeholder communication and capacity building activities. Publish research in peer-reviewed journals and actively engage in dissemination efforts such as scientific conferences and workshops, stakeholder, and policy events.Requirements
A PhD degree or demonstrated equivalent professional experience, in public health, epidemiology, environmental health, demography or a related field. Demonstrated experience in quantitative analysis of health outcomes, preferably in the context of climate change or (future) socioeconomic development. Strong skills in statistical analysis, health modelling and data visualization. Ability to translate complex research findings into policy-relevant insights. Familiarity with integrated assessment modelling, Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) and demographic projections is highly desirable. Experience in using AI and machine learning is an asset. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. 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 successful candidate should be available to take up the position from September 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. 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 at the IIASA premises in Laxenburg, near Vienna in Austria (some travel necessary).
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. Career development perspectives. An international atmosphere and pleasant working environment in a historic market town surrounded by green areas. An attractive gross annual 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 53,451.00 (for R2 research scholars).
IIASA salaries are
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).additional BENEFITS
Educational subsidies for children of school age enrolled in private schools in Austria. A generous annual leave entitlement. Relocation allowances for international hires. 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 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.
Further Information
For further information about this opportunity please contact:
Bas van Ruijven or Marina Andrijevic
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.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled. Deadline for receipt of applications: until filled