Researcher in applied participatory sciences

NOVEL DATA ECOSYSTEMS FOR SUSTAINABILITY (NODES) RESEARCH GROUP

We are looking for an outstanding researcher to support the NODES research group with research activities, including coordination and management assistance for Horizon Europe funded projects in environmental citizen science.

BACKGROUND

The NODES research group develops tools for citizen and data science combined with Earth observations to monitor, analyze, and foster sustainable development. To realize this vision, NODES exploits novel data ecosystems in which different actors interact via infrastructure, analytics, and applications to produce, exchange, use and act upon data. The group has a long track record of contributing to the field of environmental citizen science and is building trust and engagement of a large segment of society, with citizens and public authorities becoming part of the research process while increasing the overall acceptance of scientific outcomes.

THE ROLE

The successful candidate will take on research and management responsibilities in two NODES projects: Urban ReLeaf and CROPS. Urban ReLeaf is a Horizon Europe project (2023-2026) delivering citizen science-based data ecosystems to support cross-sectoral innovation and political agenda setting for climate change adaptation and urban green infrastructure planning. We collaborate with public authorities and established communities in six cities across Europe to address urgent climate issues related to greenspace planning, heat stress and air pollution. CROPS is also a Horizon Europe project (2024-2027) that aims to inform and evolve the EU Research & Innovation system so that it can adequately support the transition of citizen science from small-scale to a Europe-wide level, moving it towards a modern, open-science approach.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate citizen science pilot programs across European cities, supporting public authorities and local partners to track issues and develop bespoke solutions.
• Advance participatory research methods in the domains of urban environmental monitoring (i.e., greenspace perception, urban heat stress, air quality, etc.).
• Support the NODES group on upscaling citizen science initiatives.
• Ensure high-quality and timely donor reporting.
• Deal efficiently and independently with correspondence and communications from partners and stakeholders.
• Support project coordinators with monitoring of research activities, project milestones, and deliverables, and establishing and maintaining necessary records and documentation.
• Disseminate research outputs by drafting, writing, and presenting conference and journal papers, and other outreach materials.
• In line with the team spirit that prevails at IIASA, the incumbent may occasionally work on other tasks assigned by their superiors, that might not be directly related to this appointment but where the post holder has relevant experience and skills, and/or a shortage of immediate personnel capabilities requires such.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Master's degree or PhD (or equivalent) in participatory and applied research, within environmental science or social sciences and humanities (SSH) domains.
• Proven experience in strategic management support for large-scale interdisciplinary research projects, including partner coordination.
• Proficiency in data related projects (i.e., sample design, data gathering, analysis, etc.).
• Skills in navigating complex programs, adaptability, synthesis and decision-making.
• Full fluency in English with strong text editing skills; a good working-level of German is advantageous.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills on all levels.
• Excellent organizational and priority setting skills, and the ability to respond to deadlines in a timely manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work well independently and in close cooperation with others and maintain collaborative relationships with staff and project partners from diverse nationalities and backgrounds.
• Strong analytical skills and solutions-oriented approach.
• Demonstrated qualitative and quantitative research skills.
• Advanced routine knowledge of standard MS Office products (incl. MS Teams), collaborative online tools (Miro, Padlet, Mentimeter etc.).
• Flexible working attitude, with a willingness to take on additional tasks for the benefit of the group, program, and institute.

Desirable:

• Research background in citizen science, environmental monitoring, urban planning, earth observation, and/or nature-based solutions.
• Experience working with project management software (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Asana, or others).
• Experience with analytical software.
• Experience with web content management systems.

IIASA offers an interdisciplinary and international workplace, and the possibility to interact with researchers of different nationalities, with strong ties to a world-wide network of research institutions engaged in environmental systems research. The successful candidate must be able to work in, and have respect for, an intercultural environment, and IIASA core values.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

The successful candidate should be available to take up the position as soon as possible in 2024 (start date negotiable). We offer an initial fixed-term, full-time employment contract for one year, thereafter the appointment can become open-ended.

Eligible applicants wishing to work part-time hours may be considered.

Duties will be carried out at the IIASA premises in Laxenburg, near Vienna in Austria (up to 100 days per year home office working within Austria possible). 

The successful candidate will be appointed in accordance with the IIASA profiles for research careers.

WE OFFER

• 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 international atmosphere and pleasant working environment in a historic market town surrounded by green areas.
• 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 39,825.00 for R1 researchers
  EUR 51,894.00 for R2 research scholars (gross per annum subject to deductions for health insurance and/or social security).

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).

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. 

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.

Further Information

For further information about this opportunity please contact:

Ian McCallum, NODES Research Group Leader mccallum@iiasa.ac.at

For general information about working at IIASA, contact recruitment@iiasa.ac.at

Applications

To apply for this opportunity, you will need to provide the following documents in English: 

• A cover letter outlining your motivation for and fit to the position
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae
• The names, addresses (including e-mail), and telephone numbers of two work-related reference givers.

Deadline for receipt of applications: 30 April 2024