Research Scholar(s) in Economics
economic frontiers program
The Economic Frontiers (EF) Program at IIASA is looking to recruit two research scholars with a strong background in mathematical and/or empirical modeling in the fields of environmental, energy or welfare economics to work on the projects JUSTCOAL and MULTIFUTURES.
the program
The EF Program aspires to provide a comprehensive, rigorous, and multidisciplinary framework for studying the changes to economic systems and behaviors that are required to shift production and consumption to patterns that are fair, sustainable, and resilient. Explicit consideration is given to
(i) Economics of equal life chances,
(ii) Economics of disruptive changes,
(iii) Economic governance of transitional change,
(iv) Economic development and wellbeing in a finite and interlinked world.
The programโs research integrates tightly with the natural, environmental, population, and systems science frameworks that IIASA is leading on, thus providing the multi-disciplinary approach needed for an understanding of the transition to sustainable, fair and resilient economies.
The Roles
For the JUSTCOAL project, the selected candidate will study the local economic impacts of gradual versus disruptive coal transition. Expertise in mathematical modeling and/or empirical research on topics in energy and environmental economics is desirable. For the mathematical modeling, optimal control theory will be employed to study the dynamic process of long-term coal phase-out. Some knowledge of optimal control theory and numerical solution methods would be an advantage for the project.
As consortium partner for the Horrizon Europe MULTIFUTURES project, EF will lead a work package on innovative modeling design, in which clusters of CGE, energy and integrated assessment models are built to study, in an integrative way, the role of technological and lifestyle changes as pathways of the new policy scenarios. Candidates with sound knowledge of life-cycle/overlapping generations modeling, including their calibration and numerical solution would be ideal for this project. Knowledge of Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) and model integration would be an additional asset for this research.
main tasks and responsibilities
requirements
PhD degree in economics, management, public policy or other relevant disciplines; expertise and interest in mathematical and/or empirical economic modeling. Modeling and solution experience in environmental, energy or welfare economics would be an asset. Commensurate publication record in leading high-impact journals in economics or relevant related fields. Strong and demonstrated modeling skills and programming proficiency in MATLAB, Julia or related packages for mathematical modeling and numerical implementation. Proven competence in statistics/econometrics and experience with relevant statistical packages e.g., R, STATA and/or Python for empirical economic modeling. Innovative and critical thinking. Willingness to engage with stakeholders in communicating and devising research. Fluency in English and excellent presentation skills. 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 2024. We offer an initial fixed-term, full-time (40 hours per week) employment contract for one year with possibility for extension thereafter. Eligible applicants wishing to work part-time hours will also 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 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 51,894.00 (full-time) for R2 research scholars EUR 39,825.00 (full-time) 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. 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:
Michael Kuhn, EF Program Director
or
Omkar Patange, Research Scholar
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 work-related reference givers.* Kindly specify your preferred project and present the skills or knowledge you can bring to contribute effectively. Deadline for receipt of applications: 31 January 2024