Environmental Data Scientists

Biodiversity, Ecology and conservation (BEC) research group

The Biodiversity, Ecology, and Conservation (BEC) Research Group, part of the IIASA Biodiversity and Natural Resources (BNR) Program is looking for two highly motivated and enthusiastic researchers with a background in ecological modeling or environmental science in a conservation or ecological context.

Background

The BEC Research Group develops and applies state-of-the art ecological knowledge, methods, and tools to understand ecosystem functioning, ecological responses, and feedback in coupled social-economic-ecological systems. The group aims to apply this knowledge and tools to investigate appropriate management options to achieve sustainability goals that have ecological implications.

The BEC group is leading research to support EU member states and other countries around the world in identifying priority areas for habitat conservation, restoration, and sustainable use, to achieve national and international area-based conservation targets.

The position

The selected candidates will work in close collaboration with Dr. Martin Jung and Dr. Piero Visconti, and be applying statistical or process-based ecological models and/or spatial prioritization methods for integrated land-use planning at national and continental scale. Of particular interest are candidates with strong literacy in (spatial) data handling and processing, and the ability to apply and where possible develop statistical and process-based models to answer applied conservation questions. A commonality of the various projects that BEC leads or is involved in is the strong interdisciplinary perspective and collaboration. Although we are looking for researchers that can contribute to existing projects and outputs, candidates will ideally develop their own research profile within the area of applied ecological and conservation research in alignment with BEC research objectives. For further information about the work being done, see previous publications by BEC researchers.

Main tasks and responsibilities

Developing workflows for integrated conservation planning using optimization frameworks.
Large (spatial) data preparation for spatial planning and assessment of protected area effectiveness.
Applying and developing ecological modeling approaches for land use and climate impact assessments.
Leading the dissemination of project results via high-quality journal publications and conference presentations.
Contribute to the organization of project-related workshops and/or webinars.
Support all project partners and other group members in the drafting of reports, grant proposals and other scientific outputs as need arises.

Requirements

An advanced scientific degree (MSc, PhD) or equivalent qualification in advanced spatial prioritization and/or ecological modeling and interest in developing a career in science.
Optimization methods e.g., use of integer programming or global search algorithms to solve multi-objective problems in R environment. Experience applying them to conservation problems would be highly desirable.
Familiarity with at least one scientific coding language (R, Python, Julia). Experience in parallel computing and version control (e.g., Git) advantageous. Advanced spatial analyses in R highly desirable.
Knowledge of cloud (e.g., Google Earth engine) and high-performance computing advantageous.
Good understanding of current applied ecology and conservation research. Knowledge of common ecological models such species distribution modeling and ecological impact assessments desirable.
Excellent organizational skills, pro-active and results-oriented, and the capacity to deliver on allocated tasks and respond in a timely manner to deadlines.
Ability to work independently and with an international team distributed across different institutions and time-zones.
A track record of publishing high-quality scientific research.
Excellent communication skills (both written and oral) in English.

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 candidates should be available to take up the position as soon as possible in 2025 (start date negotiable). We offer an initial fixed-term, two-year, full-time (40 hours per week) employment contract, with the possibility of extension thereafter. Eligible applicants wishing to work part-time hours may be considered.

The place of work is at the IIASA premises in Laxenburg, near Vienna in Austria.

The successful candidates 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.
Career development perspectives.
An international atmosphere and pleasant working environment in a historic market town surrounded by green areas.
An attractive gross 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 41,020.00 (R1 researchers)
EUR 53,451.00 (R2 research scholars).

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 five weeks of annual leave.
Relocation allowances and paid home leave.
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 and the IIASA Gender Equality Plan (GEP). 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:

Martin Jung, BEC Senior Research Scholar
or
Piero Visconti, BEC Research Group Leader

For general information about working at IIASA, contact: recruitment@iiasa.ac.at