Research Scholar in forest (ecosystem) modeling

Tags: English Environment
  • Added Date: Wednesday, 19 April 2023
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Research Scholar in forest (ecosystem) modeling

Agriculture, Forestry, and Ecosystem Services (AFE) Research group

The AFE Research Group, part of the IIASA Biodiversity and Natural Resources (BNR) Program, is looking for an early career researcher with programming skills, to maintain and develop the global forest model (G4M). The selected candidate could carry out the research as part of a PhD thesis or post doc work.

BACKGROUND

The focus of the AFE Research Group is to generate knowledge and develop state-of-the-art modeling tools to advance the scientific community and support policies that enable better understanding and management of global and regional agriculture, forestry, and natural land ecosystems.

The basis for improved assessment and management of natural resources is a deep understanding of complex and interacting biophysical processes within terrestrial ecosystems. AFE aims to achieve a leading position in addressing research questions requiring integrated analyses of agriculture, forestry, and natural land ecosystems at global and regional levels.

the role

The position will focus on advancing the understanding of forest ecosystem dynamics, in the context of adaptation needs, climate impacts, disturbances and management. The successful candidate will work within AFE to maintain, further develop and run the global forest model (G4M ) for specific projects. They will be supported by colleagues currently developing and using this model.

MAIN Tasks AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Compile and harmonize model input data from various sources and formats (GeoTIFF, NetCDF, csv). Write program code which reads in data, call C++ functions, write out and aggregate the results. Keep input data up to date, e.g., update forest cover or forest biomass maps to the most recent year using available sources. Improve the yield estimate module currently based on basic site information. Integrate a soil module to enable simulating the dynamics of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous, and its interactions with forest management and climate. Integrate forest disturbance modules, including windstorms, wildfires, insect outbreaks, etc. Contribute to scientific publications and project reports. In line with the team spirit that prevails at IIASA, the incumbent may occasionally work on other tasks assigned by their superiors, that might not be directly related to this appointment but where the post holder has relevant experience and skills, and/or a shortage of immediate personnel capabilities requires such.

requirements

Min. master's degree in a related field. Fluency in English with solid text editing skills. C++ (basics – read/write text files, call functions, GNU-make). Regression Statistics (R – nonlinear regressions, Rcpp).

Desirable skills:

Experience with forestry environments/forest growth. Processing climate data (NetCDF, cdo). Processing GIS data (QGis, Grass, ArcGIS, Gdal). Knowledge of UNIX/Linux (Bash, Unix-text-tools). Data processing and working with large data sets (Python, R, SQL, UNIX text tools etc.,). Fortran (Compile, link and call Fortran function from C++). Background in ecosystems modeling/natural sciences (environmental modeling, biophysical modeling). Knowledge of GAMS. 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 selected candidate should be available to take up the position as soon as possible in 2023. We will offer an initial full-time (40 hours per week), fixed term employment contract for two years, 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.

The successful candidate will be appointed in accordance with the IIASA profiles for research careers.

We offer

An international atmosphere and pleasant working environment in a historic market town surrounded by green areas. 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. A gross annual, full-time salary of minimum:

EUR 48,050.00 for R2 Research Scholars

EUR 36,875.00 for R1 Researchers

The salary is exempt from income tax in Austria and negotiable, based on the qualifications, skills and experience of the selected individual.

In addition, 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).

other benefits

Educational subsidies for children of school age enrolled in private schools in Austria. A generous annual leave entitlement. Moving and settlement 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

Enrico Confienza, Program and Project Officer, AFE

For general information about working at IIASA, contact: recruitment@iiasa.ac.at

Applications

In order to apply for this opportunity, you will need to provide the following documents:

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 work-related reference givers. Deadline for receipt of applications: until filled

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