Senior Theme Coordinator - Extreme Weather and Climate Dynamics
The IIASA Energy, Climate, and Environment (ECE) Program is recruiting a Senior Research Scholar with deep expertise in climate physics and a focus on climate and weather extremes as Theme Coordinator on Extreme Weather and Climate Dynamics.
background
The ECE Program at IIASA is one of the worldโs leading research groups in sustainability transitions and seeks to deepen itโs understanding of physical climate risks, and their societal and economic consequences. Interdisciplinary teams within ECE work towards integrating physical climate risks into their modeling and scenario building activities and this position would critically inform such efforts. Specific focus will be put on stress testing of scenarios, as well as the development of emulator and statistical models for the representation of climate risks. The successful candidate will work with a team of international scientists.
focal areas
Development plans for physical research within in the ECE program span a range of areas. In particular, candidates will be considered who can strongly contribute to one or more of the following:
High impact and compound extremes: Most high impact extreme events are compound events, either in relation to multi-dimensional drivers or by non-causal stochastically driven concurrence. Advancing understanding and modeling of such events including for the improvement of risk assessments and existing modeling frameworks. Atmosphere Dynamics: atmosphere dynamics and feedbacks are central to understanding high-impact extremes. The translation of ongoing improvements in understanding of atmosphere dynamics into assessments of risks and impacts posed by extreme weather events is critical. Incorporating complex climate risks that arise from anomalous atmosphere dynamical patterns and climate risks that are compounding, cascading, interacting into risk assessment frameworks e.g. of (re-)insurance, financial sectors is a high priority. AI & Machine learning applications in climate risk assessments: the development and application of AI and ML methods in physical climate research is a core area of development including in the field of climate (impact) emulators as well as for end-user relevant applications including downscaling, bias correction and validation.tasks and responsibilities
Senior scientific leadership on advanced climate modeling and analysis of extreme weather phenomena. Scientific excellence in the field of atmospheric dynamics and compound extremes. Lead on the integration of compound event dynamics into climate risk models. Develop and implement ECE strategy for deploying AI and machine learning for climate data analysis, emulation, downscaling, and bias correction. Take a leading or co-leading role in significant climate research initiatives, fostering inter-institutional collaboration. Publications peer-reviewed journals and actively engage in dissemination efforts such as scientific conferences and workshops, stakeholder, and policy events. Contribute to ongoing and future projects and related deliverables, reports, stakeholder communication and capacity building activities.SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
PhD degree (or equivalent) in climate physics with at least four years of post-PhD working experience. Proven track record of high-impact research, including on compound events and their societal impact relevance. Experience in leadership of junior staff and scientific consortium projects. Track record of successful funding applications. Proficiency in climate modeling and atmospheric dynamics. Proficiency in using AI and machine learning for climate data analysis, particularly in the context of extreme climate events. Ability to bridge gaps between theoretical and practical aspects of climate science, proven track record of work across different fields. Experience in working with both technical experts and stakeholders in various sectors. Strong programming and analytical skills. Strong communication skills for disseminating complex climate information. Ability to engage with both academic and non-academic audiences, including private sector entities. A degree of flexibility and willingness to travel. 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 successful candidate should be available to take up the position in March 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. We offer an open-ended, full-time employment contract however, a part-time appointment will also 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 as a senior research scholar (R3) 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 70,000.00 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: until filled