IIASA’s Program on Risk and Vulnerability (RAV) is offering a part-time (75%) position for a research scholar to carry out research consistent with the Program’s objectives as part of SCENES, Water Scenarios for Europe and for Neighbouring States, a new Integrated Project under the European Commission’s 6th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development.

Background

The long-term aim of the IIASA Program on Risk and Vulnerability (RAV) is to conduct conceptual and applied analyses that contribute to decreasing the risk and vulnerability of societies and ecosystems, and promoting their adaptation and resilience, to stresses imposed or aggravated by global-change phenomena. More information about the RAV Program is available at: http://www.iiasa.ac.at/Research/RAV/index.html
The SCENES project will develop and analyze a set of comprehensive scenarios of Europe’s freshwater futures up to 2025, covering all of Europe as far as the Caucasus and Ural Mountains, and including Mediterranean rim countries. These scenarios will provide a reference point for long-term strategic planning of European water resource development, alert policymakers and stakeholders about emerging problems, and allow river basin managers to test plans against uncertainty and surprises. The scenarios will be policy relevant by identifying the requirements of stakeholders and decision makers, and including stakeholders in the scenario building process.

The specific goals of SCENES are fourfold:

• Deliver combined qualitative and quantitative scenarios of European freshwaters;
• Evaluate different approaches to scenario development of Europe’s waters, leading to a consistent recommended methodology;
• Improve current quantitative models to support scenario development;
• Devise a plan for institutionalizing the ongoing development of water scenarios in Europe.

Tasks

The candidate will collaborate with the RAV team in execution of the following tasks:

• Develop and apply a scenario development methodology appropriate for multi-scale water policy analysis in Europe;
• Develop and run training seminars in methods of scenario development and analysis, especially as related to conceptual modeling;
• Engage in a stakeholder consultation process to identify the specifics of current and anticipated water issues at European scale and refine the selected set of storylines accordingly;
• Support the scenario development process by developing conceptual models that incorporate stakeholder perspectives and the products of quantitative modeling and analysis.

Profile

Applicants should have a PhD or equivalent plus several years research experience in a relevant subject (this can include a degree in physical and/or social sciences, but a good knowledge of systems science and modeling methods is essential). Knowledge of both quantitative and qualitative research methods, in both the natural and social sciences, is highly recommended. Also desirable is an understanding of the current literature and issues related to water resources, and generally risk and vulnerability of European countries and their water resources to climate and other global-change phenomena. Finally, strong English communication and writing skills are necessary, and proficiency in other languages is welcome. Refereed publications relevant to water, risk and vulnerability will greatly enhance the application.

Appointment Terms

The SCENES project runs for four years. The successful candidate will be offered an initial fixed-term contract for one year, beginning in late 2006/early 2007, with the possibility of extensions for as much as three years. The salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. It is exempt from taxation in Austria, but subject to the principle of income aggregation. Preference will be given to applicants who are nationals of IIASA member countries.

The Institute’s management and staff alike are committed to a working environment that promotes equality, diversity, and tolerance. The Institute encourages applications from all qualified candidates.

Applications

To apply send a cover letter, resume, plus names, addresses (including e-mail), telephone and fax numbers of three work-related references, as well as copies of two recent publications/papers (articles, research papers, model documentation, proposals, minutes of meetings, etc.) to:
Walter Foith, Head of Human Resources
International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
Schlossplatz 1, A-2361 Laxenburg, Austria
Fax: (+43) 2236/713-13
E-mail: foithw@iiasa.ac.at

Closing date for applications: 30 November 2006.
Review of applications will begin immediately.

For further information about this position, please contact
Dr. Jan Sendzimir. IIASA fax: +43 2236/713-13.

For general information about our Institute and its research activities, please visit our IIASA Web site.

Responsible for this page: John Clark
Last updated: 03 Oct 2006