Research Scholar in international trade and sustainable development
Integrated Biosphere Futures (IBF) Research group
The IBF Research Group, part of the IIASA Biodiversity and Natural Resources (BNR) Program, is looking for a highly motivated applied economist to lead research on international trade policies in support of sustainable development, at the interface between science and policy.
BACKGROUND
The IBF Research Group adopts an integrated approach to sustainable land use and ecosystems modeling taking into account i) interactions between different economic sectors, including agriculture, forestry, bioenergy, and fisheries, ii) synergies and trade-offs between multiple societal objectives, including, but not limited to, GHG emissions and climate change mitigation, climate change impacts and adaptation, food security, sustainable nutrient and water management, and biodiversity, iii) across different spatial and temporal scales, going from pixel through the country level up to the global scale, and from annual to a hundred year time horizon.
The group is strongly connected to the international academic community, placing emphasis on transdisciplinary synergies and applied approaches. The work accomplished has long been recognized through regular publications in high-ranking scientific journals, and the team includes Top 1% highly cited researchers. In addition, IBF is recognized as a reliable partner in support of policy making, such as EU policies or CBD’s post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.
the Position
IBF is offering a research position in international trade and sustainable development to advance the understanding and development of trade policies compatible with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Within a vibrant multi-disciplinary research team, the successful candidate will also advance the representation of international trade as well as supply chain policies in the GLOBIOM partial equilibrium model.
In the framework of TRADEHUB UKRI-GCRF project, and recently acquired Horizon Europe projects, the successful candidate will contribute to/lead cutting-edge analysis in collaboration with international partners on future scenarios on the trade in commodities that contribute to deforestation, the impact of interventions such as the EU-MERCOSUR and EU deforestation-free supply chain initiative, and their potential to support ambitious pathways for biodiversity and climate.
MAIN Tasks AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Conduct research, incl. design, parameterization and analysis of novel trade policies and supply chains interventions and their contribution to sustainable development goals, with a focus on biodiversity and climate pathways. Contribute to methodological and structural development of the GLOBIOM model, and continuous update of the international trade module. Apply the model in the context of research and policy projects. Publish relevant results in peer-reviewed journals and participate in scientific conferences and workshops. Contribute to project deliverables, reports, stakeholder communication. 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
A PhD degree, or a master's degree combined with relevant research experience in analysis of trade and international supply chain policies or applied economic modeling of trade. (Enrolment in a PhD program for Master degree holders will be supported). Strong analytical, quantitative and programming skills (optimally in GAMS and R; Python or GIS tools are an advantage). Capacity to take upon novel topics and lead them to successful completion within strict timelines. Experience in analysis of trade in agricultural and forestry commodities highly desireable. Experience in handling of standard (e.g., COMTRADE, BACI, GTAP) and novel (e.g., LCA, TRASE) datasets on trade and supply chains would be an asset. Excellent command of English, both in spoken and written form. 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. We offer a full-time (40 hours per week) open-ended employment contract. 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. 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 64,811.00 for R3 Senior Research Scholars.
EUR 48,050.00 for R2 Research Scholars.
EUR 36,875.00 for R1 Researchers.
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 Michael Le Gohebel, Program and Project Officer, Petr Havlik, Research Group Leader or David Leclere, Senior Research Scholar in the Integrated Biosphere Futures (IBF) Research Group.
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.Review of applications will begin immediately. Deadline for receipt of applications: 30 July 2023