IIASA has begun accepting applications for the Postdoctoral Program 2010. The deadline for applications to the IIASA-funded part of the Program is February 28th, 2010.
Applicants from Finland, Sweden, and the Netherlands may apply to their National Member Organizations; the deadlines set by these organizations are different.

I would like to encourage you to apply for the Postdoctoral Program if you are interested in at least one of the following research topics of the  Integrated Modeling Environment (IME)   Project:

1. Structured-modeling methods and tools supporting at least one element of the modeling process for complex and/or not well-structured problems, specifically:
   • structured modeling, including integration of models, and handling huge amounts of data,
   • uncertainty and robust solutions, including integrated assessment and management of risk, especially temporal and spatial modeling of catastrophic events,
   • advanced methods of model analysis, especially:
     • advanced (deterministic) optimization techniques,
     • stochastic optimization, including adaptive Monte Carlo optimization,
     • multicriteria methods of model analysis,
     • using distributed computing (computational Grid) for large sets of computational tasks and/or for solvers exploiting the structure of computational problems.
   • knowledge discovery from data, qualitative models, decision rules, rough sets, fuzzy rules,
   • applications of DBMSs to modeling,
   • multi-agent models.
2. Knowledge creation from, and integration for, model-based decision-making support, including:
   • Knowledge management: integration and utilization of tacit knowledge,
   • Knowledge discovery: data mining, text mining, other statistical methods,
   • Knowledge representation: modeling and simulation in general,
   • Knowledge creation: creativity support, awareness support,
   • Knowledge integration; methodology, computer systems,
   • Applications: especially in research management, technology road mapping, environment.
3. Applications of innovative methodologies and tools to the analysis of complex real-world problems for the needs of integrated assessment of various policy options aimed at helping to find feasible solutions that best fit the goals specified by the users. Environmental, social, industrial and financial applications are expected, including (but not limited to): policy measures for improving the quality of environment, and coping with uncertainty, especially those related to catastrophic events.
4. Software tools supporting development of applications in the above mentioned areas.
5. Developing prototypes for (parts of) decision support systems. The goal of this activity is to gather experience with new decision support methods and tools, and apply them to actual decision problems related to applied projects at IIASA, primarily involving environmental problems. Depending on the abilities and interests of participants, there are several possible realizations. The methodology may touch upon several aspects of decision support, such as problem specification, data manipulation, integration of rule based and algorithmic approaches, formulation, solution and analysis of a specific type of mathematical programming problem.

Priority will be given to candidates who would like to contribute to either development or use of advanced modeling methodologies or software tools. An ability to co-operate with IME staff members, and researchers from other programs, many with different backgrounds, is important. Depending on the topic, the main prerequisite is knowledge of the problem area or of relevant operations research methods. The ideal candidate will have a combined knowledge in both areas. Experience in C++, Java, Oracle, Web-based interface, XML, Unix/Linux OS, modeling languages/environments (at least one of these tools/OS), and/or in structured-modeling methodology is strongly desired, but not necessary.

You can find information about IIASA's Postdoctoral Program, and about the application procedure   here   (this page also includes a link to the on-line application). Please contact Ms Barbara Hauser (hauser@iiasa.ac.at), the Postdoctoral Coordinator, if you need more information about the application procedure.

If you are considering applying to the Postdoctoral Program, and you have specific questions related to research that can be hosted by the IME Project, then please do not hesitate to contact me:   marek@iiasa.ac.at   to discuss details of the research you propose for the Program.

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