Researcher - Exploring Real Zero

Organisation/Company IIASA Department Human Resources Research Field Environmental science Earth science Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Master Positions Application Deadline 25 Oct 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Vienna) Country Austria Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Reference Number 260480 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Energy, Climate, and Environment (ECE) program at IIASA is searching for a Researcher (R1) to support the coordination of the Pathways workstream of the Exploring Real Zero project. The workstream critically examines residual gross emissions in global mitigation scenarios, coordinating across three leading integrated assessment modelling teams.This is a project workstream coordination and research-support role suited to an early-career researcher seeking exposure to a major international modelling collaboration. The successful candidate supports the day to day coordination while also contributing to its scientific outputs.

Main tasks and responsibilities

• Support cross-team modelling coordination across partners
• Maintain workstream deliverable and milestone tracking
• Support cross-model assessment and manage literature and data repositories
• Process scenario data and produce figures, project learning reports and briefing materials
• Contribute drafting input to quarterly reports and briefing packs for policy-facing engagement
• Support the preparation of project events and science communication materials

Skills, Qualifications & Experience

Education Background

• Master’s degree (or near completion) in energy, climate or environmental sciences, sustainability, or a related field

Essential skills and competencies:

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail; experience coordinating meetings, workshops or multi-partner activities is a plus
• Working knowledge of Python or R for data handling and figures; familiarity with git is a plus
• Familiarity with climate mitigation scenarios and the IPCC literature is a plus
• Excellent written English and the ability to synthesise technical material for different audiences

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) 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).
• 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.

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

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis Country Austria State/Province Laxenburg City Laxenburg Postal Code 2361 Geofield