The Energy, Climate, and Environment (ECE) program at IIASA is searching for a Researcher (R1)/ Research Scholar (R2) to work the Pathways workstream within the Exploring Real Zero project. The workstream develops a new generation of mitigation pathways that minimize residual gross emissions by capturing real-world innovation across three leading integrated assessment models.The successful candidate will work closely with the Pathways workstream co-leads on the identification and quantification of the innovation gaps that account for residual gross emissions in current mitigation scenarios, coordination and implementation of the modelling teams, and the cross-model synthesis comparing new pathways with the existing literature.

Main tasks and responsibilities

In the following items, we deliberately use the words “contribute” to and “develop” to respectively distinguish between the more supportive role of Researcher (R1) and independent role of Research Scholar (R2).

• Contribute to / lead the cross-model innovation gaps analysis: design and run the survey across modelling teams, maintain the ranked gap inventory, and quantify residual gross emissions by sector and gap across three global IAMs
• Contribute to / develop the analytics around the modelling protocol: diagnostic checks of scenario submissions against the protocol, and documentation of harmonized assumptions and remaining differences across models
• Contribute to / develop the cross-model synthesis comparing new pathways to the existing literature, including preparation of scenario submissions to the Scenario Compass Initiative and FAIR publication of scenario data
• Support the embedding of methodological guardrails (technology scale-up rates, carbon dioxide removal, CO2 storage, justice) into scenario parameterization and design across the modelling teams
• Contribute to the implementation of model advances in MESSAGEix alongside the sectoral modelling team, as the division of gap-closure work permits
• Support scenario extractions and analysis for national fossil fuel phase-out roadmap development
• Process multi-model scenario data (IAMC format) into consistent indicators, figures and statistics, with version-controlled, reproducible code
• Contribute to / lead written outputs, including reports and scientific papers
• Present methods and results to technical and non-technical audiences

Skills, Qualifications & Experience

Education and Background

• Master's (R1) or PhD (R2) degree in energy systems, climate or environmental science, engineering, economics or a related field

Essential skills and competencies:

• Knowledge of integrated assessment modelling and mitigation scenario analysis, including the scenario literature on residual emissions, carbon dioxide removal and carbon capture and storage
• Proficient programmer, with experience in Python for data analysis (e.g. pandas, pyam) and reproducible, version-controlled workflows (git)
• Experience with IAMC-format scenario data; hands-on experience with an integrated assessment modelling framework (e.g. MESSAGEix, REMIND, GCAM) is a plus
• Demonstrated experience of writing up methodologies and results in reports, scientific publications and/or policy-relevant materials
• Fluency in English and good presentation skills

Appointment terms

The successful candidate should be available to take up the position as soon as possible - No later than January 2027.

The place of work is IIASA in Laxenburg, near Vienna, Austria (home office options available).The successful candidate will be appointed as a researcher (R1) OR Research Scholar (R2) depending on qualifications and experience and in accordance with the IIASA profiles for research careers.

We offer

• 1-year full-time fixed-term contract (100%, 40 hrs/week), with the possibility of extension thereafter. Flexible arrangements on duration can be discussed, and part-time arrangements will also be considered.
• An attractive annual salary starting at EUR 42,374, exempt from income tax in Austria (social insurance deductions still apply), negotiable depending on the research level you are appointed to.
• The possibility to contribute to environmental sciences for sustainability and global wellbeing.
• An international atmosphere and pleasant working environment in a historic market town surrounded by green areas.

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).

Additional 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 who are hired from international locations.
• 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.

For further information about this opportunity please contact:

PACHAURI Shonali - Research Group Leader and Principal Research Scholar (TISS); Principal Research Scholar

PELZ Setu - Research Scholar (TISS)

RIAHI Keywan - Program Director and Principal Research Scholar (ECE); Principal Research Scholar