Deadline: 14 June 2026 11-2026

Postdoctoral Research Scholar - Governing habitability in a changing climate

The Systemic Risk and Resilience (SYRR) research group of the Advancing Systems Analysis program is seeking for a motivated and intellectually curious Postdoctoral Research Scholar. The SYRR group is dedicated to understanding and managing systemic anthropogenic and environmental risks, combining advanced quantitative modeling, qualitative research, empirical assessment, and soft systems analysis to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time. The selected researcher will play a key role in developing a novel conceptual framework on habitability under climate change as part of the ERC-funded project ALTHAEA.

ABOUT ALTHAEA

ALTHAEA investigates how climate change affects the habitability of places and how societies respond when conditions become  untenable and who gets to define what "habitable" means, how these decisions are made, and how habitability loss is governed. At its core, the project introduces the idea of “lived habitability,” bridging environmental realities with social, and political factors, and explores it through four richly grounded case studies on planned relocation in flood-prone regions across southern Europe: Italy, France, Greece, and Spain.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead field research across 2 of the 4 case study sites on planned relocation, Activities include desk research on relevant policy and legislative documents for each case study, and carrying out semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions.
• Analyse how habitability is governed through the lens of planned relocation - as a paradigmatic response to perceived habitability erosion - across policies, institutions, decision-making practices, power dynamics and knowledge systems.
• Play an active role in building the ALTHAEA Learning Hub,  a knowledge exchange platform connecting researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from the Global North and South, and contribute to consolidating relevant knowledge and experiences in a platform hosted on the project’s website.
• Produce high-quality scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to project deliverables, translating field findings into rigorous, impactful research outputs
• Present methods and results to both technical and non-technical audiences. Initiate and organize conference sessions and workshops

SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• A PhD degree in human geography, environmental governance, political science, or a related social science discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in working on disaster risk reduction or/and climate adaptation.
• Strong command of qualitative methods, including policy analysis, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions.
• Hands-on fieldwork experience ideally in complex socio-environmental contexts
• Excellent written and spoken English, with a track record of academic writing and confident presentation skills.
• Knowledge of the language(s) of one or more case study countries (Italian, French, Spanish, or Greek) is an asset.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary international research environment.

 

APPOINTMENT TERMS

The successful candidate should be available to take up the position as of 1st October 2026. 

The place of work is IIASA in Laxenburg, near Vienna, Austria (home office options available).

The successful candidate will be appointed as a research scholar (R2) in accordance with the .

We offer

• 3.5-year full-time fixed term contract (100%, 40 hrs/week) with the possibility of extension thereafter. Flexible arrangements on duration can be discussed.
• An attractive annual salary, exempt from income tax in Austria (subject to deductions for health insurance and/or social security), of at least EUR 55,215.00
• 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 in scientific and professional categories 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 . 

About IIASA

IIASA is committed to a working environment that promotes equality, diversity, tolerance and inclusion within its workforce. This is reflected in our  . 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  .

Further Information

For further information about this opportunity please contact:

 - Senior Research Scholar 

 

For general information about working at IIASA, please contact: 

Applications

In order 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 and a recent example of your research work
• The names, addresses (including e-mail), and telephone numbers of two reference givers. 

Deadline for receipt of applications: 14 June 2026