Researcher/Research Scholar – big data analyst
IIASA SYSTEMIC RISK AND RESILIENCE (SYRR) RESEARCH GROUP
The Systemic Risk and Resilience (SYRR) Research Group within the IIASA Advancing Systems Analysis (ASA) Program is offering a position for a big data analyst with interdisciplinary expertise in data management sciences, economics, and statistics.
BACKGROUND
The mission of the SYRR research group is to contribute to transforming the way societies manage risks in economic, ecological, and social systems while confronting the global trends that are amplifying these risks. The group examines environmental and socio-economic interactions across multiple scales, providing the analytical foundations for the improved management and governance of disasters, climate change, as well as technological and ecological transitions. Our specialty is applying advanced hard and soft systems science methods for assessing and analyzing risks and uncertainties as well as co-designing risk policy and governance processes.
the Project
The successful applicant will join a transdisciplinary team to work on the Belmont Forum funded project 'Human Mobility, Global Challenges and Resilience in an Age of Social Stress (PHOENIX)'. PHOENIX examines how global changes - including environmental and climate changes, demographic changes, changing consumption patterns, energy and land-use, developments in the politics of food and mental health, and socio-cultural transformations - impact mobility. Specifically, we aim to model social tipping points by utilizing techniques from geographic information systems (GIS) and synthesizing existing geographical, earth science and longitudinal datasets. We also apply a governance of crisis approach to understand how diverse policy areas ranging from sustainable development and disaster risk reduction to health, food, and climate change might be bridged with larger policy frameworks to understand and predict mobility patterns. The project conducts two human-centric case studies of social tipping points: (1) food security and belonging and (2) cultural survival and resilience. These case studies provide new ways of looking at how climate (im-)mobilities and their social tipping points are shaped by socio-cultural contexts and the psycho-social health of populations. Drawing on natural sciences like climate and sustainability studies and on the social sciences of political science, sociology, psychology, economics and anthropology, the project adds to the interdisciplinary diagnostic and prognostic toolbox of global change and mobility as well as vulnerability and resilience assessments. This research project utilizes a wide evidence base - from Europe and the Middle East to Africa and South America - to ensure maximum comparative and global impact of its findings. This research project examines the societal and environmental aspects of global change and (im-)mobilities to help leaders and the most vulnerable members of societies to understand, adapt and thrive.
MAIN Tasks AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The successful applicant will work with the IIASA team and other project partners across a number of tasks, including:
- Develop statistical and econometric models.
- Develop operational plans for multiple datasets and be able to assist project supervisor as requested.
- Publish (single and co-authored papers) in relevant journals/books and other media (e.g., press, internet), as well as policy-oriented papers and briefs.
- Present research results in international fora.
- 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
- PhD or equivalent in the social sciences, economics, geography or other relevant field with increasingly relevant interdisciplinary expertise on climate risk and resilience assessments
- Demonstrable experience conducting robust research.
-
Strong English communication and writing skills are necessary, and proficiency in other languages is welcome.
- Previous publishing experience.
-
Previous experience engaging with stakeholders across different levels as well as the knowledge of the EU climate policy landscape is desirable.
- 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 oneyears, 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.
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
Ali Kharrazi, Senior Research Scholar, SYRR 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. Deadline for receipt of applications: 27 June 2023