Research Scholar in agricultural sector modeling

Integrated Biosphere Futures (IBF) Research group

The IBF Research Group, part of the IIASA Biodiversity and Natural Resources (BNR) Program is seeking an applied economist to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the EU agriculture and food system. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to high-impact policy advice, addressing critical sustainability challenges such as climate change impacts, adaptation and mitigation, biodiversity, and food and nutrition security at the science-policy interface.

why join us?

At the IBF Research Group, we don’t just model future scenarios—we help shape real-world decisions. Our work directly supports implementation of the EU Green Deal, the Farm to Fork Strategy, and other transformative policies aimed at sustainable land use, food security, and climate resilience. As a part of our team, you will:

Engage in applied policy advice that informs national governments, EU institutions, and international organizations.
Be at the forefront of translating scientific insights into actionable solutions, influencing policies that make a tangible difference for society and the environment.
Collaborate with leading experts recognized as Top 1% highly cited researchers and contribute to high-profile international research and policy projects such as LAMASUS, BrightSpace, and SWITCH.

background

We are offering a position for a research scholar in agricultural sector modeling to advance the representation of the EU agricultural sector and related policies within the partial equilibrium model GLOBIOM. You will join a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and multicultural team committed to addressing the biggest sustainability challenges of our time.

MAIN Tasks AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Enhance the agricultural sector representation in GLOBIOM.
Integrate key EU agricultural and land-use policies.
Update (spatially explicit) datasets, such as land cover information, yields, and cropping areas.
Refine agricultural production system costings and improve model calibration.
- Develop new management practices in the model (e.g., organic farming, agroforestry) to support EU Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy objectives.
- Conduct policy-relevant analyses of agricultural policy interventions, assessing their impact on land use, biodiversity, and other sustainability metrics.
- Deliver policy briefs and reports to EU decision-makers and publish findings in leading peer-reviewed journals.
- Expand the group’s impact by developing new areas of expertise, building networks, and securing funding for future research.
Represent IIASA at international conferences, workshops, and high-level stakeholder events.

REquirements

PhD in applied economics (e.g., agricultural, development, or resource economics) or a master’s degree with significant relevant experience.
Experience with large-scale applied economic models, particularly in sectoral or general equilibrium frameworks.
Strong analytical, quantitative, and programming skills (e.g., R, Python, GIS tools); proficiency in GAMS is an asset.
A commitment to continuous learning and the ability to tackle novel topics.
Proven capacity to autonomously design and implement research projects.
A strong ability to deliver high-quality results on time, along with excellent communication skills to bridge the gap between science and policy.

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 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.

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

A chance to make a real-world impact on the future of EU agricultural policies and global sustainability.
Opportunities for professional growth through international networking, applied policy work, and publishing in top-tier journals.
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 53,451.00 gross per annum.

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 Michael Le Gohebel, BNR/IBF Program and Project Officer or Petr Havlik, BNR Program Director/IBF Research Group Leader.

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