Researcher - buildings/bio-based materials
The IIASA Energy, Climate, and Environment (ECE) Program looks to recruit a motivated and talented researcher in buildings and bio-based materials.
background
The ECE Program seeks a strong candidate who can support advancing the understanding of the use of bio-based materials in the building sector. The use of bio-based materials is considered an important mitigation option, and their crucial role in full decarbonization is increasingly acknowledged. However, their potential use in different building types, limitations to their application, costs, and resource implications are not yet fully understood and included in mitigation scenarios.
The selected candidate will fill the position of an Buildings and Energy Researcher contributing to the development of modeling methods and data to study the use of bio-based materials in the buildings sector. This will include also the assessment of resource implications on land use. They will join (and co-lead) existing research efforts, while helping to identify, plan, and create new opportunities and research directions. This work will include, but is not limited to:
Development and application of the MESSAGEix-Buildings model, the open source MESSAGEix modeling framework, and related software and data sets. Complementary, quantitative analysis of the (potential) use of bio-based materials in the buildings sector, including different materials; their use in new buildings/renovation; implications for energy use and material use; impacts on/of social and institutional changes; policies for greenhouse gas emissions mitigation, and analysis of the impacts of bio-based materials on inhabitant wellbeing. Development of low energy demand scenarios, through narratives incorporating all of the above phenomena. Design and execution of model-to-model linkages, such as between sectoral demand models, land use models, and IAMs.The successful candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with several IIASA researchers on projects that require data science for the development and analysis of climate scenarios.
tasks and responsibilities
Perform in-depth literature reviews of the use of bio-based technologies and investigate their techno-economic characteristics. Contribute to the development of conceptual models of the use of bio-based materials in buildings: identify relevant methods from the literature; improve on these; source appropriate data/measures from diverse sources; and implement analysis with a high degree of rigor. Contribute to the application and development of buildings scenarios in a complex integrated assessment model; apply the tool to address diverse research questions. Process large volumes of data on (inter alia) the application of bio-based materials, technology attributes, and land use requirements. Produce figures, maps, and visualizations to check results and efficiently communicate findings. Collaboratively develop model code that is version-controlled, documented, and reproducible, to enable low-cost adaptation of methods for different spatial scopes and/or input data sets. Present methods and results to both technical and non-technical audiences. Initiate and organize conference sessions and workshops. Write reports and scientific papers to communicate findings. Contribute to ongoing and future projects, and participate in external fundraising / grant applications, related to energy and buildings sector transitions and their implication for broader sustainable development issues. 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
Masterโs degree (or equivalent) in economics, engineering, global change, or other related field. Domain knowledge on the use of bio-based materials in the buildings sector or parts thereof. Essential: Knowledge of and hands-on experience with model analysis essential. Programming ability, ideally in Python, R, or a similar language, as ECE develops its modeling tools using these programming languages. Fluency in English; good presentation skills; and experience writing publications. Desirable: Experience in integrated assessment modeling; with models representing buildings simulation; with models of land use; or with modification of core methods of models. Experience with GAMS; with version control systems; with collaborative software development (i.e., in teams, as opposed to solo). 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 as soon as possible in 2024. 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.
Duties will be carried out at the IIASA premises in Laxenburg, near Vienna in Austria (up to 100 days per year home office working within Austria possible).
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. The opportunity to deepen and improve knowledge and scientific profile. Career development perspectives. An international atmosphere and pleasant working environment in a historic market town surrounded by green areas. 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 39,825.00 gross per annum (subject to deductions for health insurance and/or social security).IIASA salaries are:
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:
Keywan Riahi, ECE Program Director
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. Deadline for receipt of applications: 4 January 2024