who we’re looking for

The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking, highly skilled data scientist who thrives in interdisciplinary environments. You bring a blend of technical expertise, leadership ability, and a passion for addressing global challenges through data-driven insights.

Key Qualifications

• PhD in Agricultural Economics, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field, with a minimum of five years of post-PhD experience.
• Proven experience in data integration and harmonization across large-scale, multidisciplinary projects, particularly in environmental and agricultural research.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing databases, with knowledge of developing maintainable and scalable data architectures (e.g., SQL, duckdb, Postgres + Postgis, or GeoServer).
• Advanced skills in GIS, R, Python, and managing complex spatial datasets (raster/vector formats) across varying scales.
• Experience in securing research funding focused on data management and analysis.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with a track record of mentoring junior researchers and collaborating with diverse, interdisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of the data and processing requirements of commonly used methodological approaches, e.g., multi-objective spatial optimizations and deep learning.
• Expertise in agricultural and environmental statistics, with a deep understanding of their application in sustainability and climate change research.

why join us?

At IIASA, we are more than just a research institution—we are a global network of experts working to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. In this role, you will:

• Drive innovation in the creation of a one-of-a-kind, globally scaled database.
• Collaborate with top-tier researchers and policy experts from around the world.
• Make a global impact by contributing to research that directly informs environmental policy and global sustainability efforts.
• Benefit from IIASA’s strong connections with international academic communities and global policy-making bodies.
• Work in a flexible, supportive environment that values creativity, innovation, and collaboration.

Appointment Terms

The start date is negotiable but we are looking for someone to join us as soon as possible,and offer an initial fixed term employment contract for two years, with the possibility of extension thereafter.

The place of work IIASA in Laxenburg, near Vienna Austria (home office options available).

The corresponding profile for this opportunity is R3 according to the IIASA profiles for research careers. *IIASA reserves the right to hire a researcher with a lower profile, and at a corresponding lower salary than the minimum stated below if the qualifications and professional experience of the selected candidate do not meet the criteria described in the researcher profiles adequately.

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.
• 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 69,996.00* (Subject to deductions for health insurance and/or social security.)

Please note that IIASA salaries are 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.
• Relocation 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.

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.