Researcher in land use policies

Deadline: 15 October 2025 20-2025

Researcher In Land Use Policies

Integrated Biosphere Futures (IBF) Research group

• The , part of the IIASA
• , is offering an opportunity for an experienced climate policy analyst who will
• work on quantitative assessment of policies for the land use sector, and related research.

The Role

The IBF research group has for many years been part of a multi-sectorial team informing scientists and policy makers on developments in the field of climate policies (including related areas such as energy, land use and international transport) on a global scale. This is to be done by tracking climate action and progress towards targets, and by providing analysis on global climate change mitigation using state-of-the art quantitative tools. This approach relies on conducting a thorough review of planned and implemented policies by countries using existing modeling frameworks. It aims to identify both the progress made towards achieving their targets and the gaps between planned actions and the internationally established targets. The findings from this analysis can be documented in scientific publications and policy briefs.

Currently, IIASA is looking for a policy analyst with experience in quantitative modeling to join the IBF research group and to contribute to climate policy analysis from the policy text to quantitative impact assessment. The successful candidate will join the existing team and contribute to ongoing projects that track national climate targets. Their work will include providing up-to-date assessments of progress on climate change mitigation, particularly in relation to the second and third rounds of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) covering actions through 2035. This will involve evaluating increases in ambition, analyzing how these efforts align with the policies and projections in the Biennial Transparency Reports under the Paris Agreement, and reviewing progress made by subnational and non-state actors worldwide. The candidate will also support other related projects as needed.

Main Tasks And Responsibilities

• Document current mitigation policies as being implemented in countries around the world and jointly develop GHG projections on the basis of such policies utilizing inhouse modeling tools.
• Analyze the alignment between historical data, mitigation measures, and projections to strengthen accounting at various levels, in accordance with the UNFCCC guidelines (ETF) and IPCC methodologies.
• Develop databases on historical GHG data, planned, adopted, and implemented policies, mitigation projections, and NDC targets for the AFOLU sector.
• Manage data exchange and communication with partners and stakeholders engaged within ongoing projects.
• Lead and contribute to project deliverables, reports and stakeholder communications.
• Publish relevant results in peer-reviewed journals and participate in scientific conferences and workshops.

Qualifications

• PhD or master's degree combined withrelevant research experience in at least one of the following areas: environmental sciences, political science, econometrics, data science.
• Knowledge and interest in land-based climate change mitigation and international policy developments, cross-sectorial GHG projections, GHG inventories/reporting/ accounting processes, UNFCCC reporting processes (e.g., NC, BTR, NDCs, LT-LEDSs), climate finance, reducing deforestation and degradation (REDD+).
• Good overview of the intersection of climate and other national policies (mitigation focus).
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills and the ability to analyze complex problems, based on advanced modeling tools.
• Full fluency in English, and the abilityto communicate ideas and technical material clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Motivated to work in an outcome-oriented, multidisciplinary team atmosphere with a strong focus on project work, but also able to work independently.
• Skilled at writing scientific publications, projectreports and policy briefs that are precise, and written with strong attention to detailAdvanced knowledge of Microsoft Officeapplications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, etc.,).
• Experience with additional software, statisticalpackages, data visualization as well as programming languages e.g., Tabs, R, Python, GIS tools, GAMS) advantageous.
• 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 

 

Appointment Terms

The successful candidate should be available to take up the position by December 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter. We offer an initial full-time, two-year employment contract with the possibility for extension thereafter.

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

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

The successful candidate will be appointed as R1 (researcher) or R2 (research scholar) in accordance with the . 

We Offer

• An international atmosphere and pleasant working environment in a historic market town surrounded by green areas.
• The possibility to contribute to environmental sciences for sustainability and global wellbeing.
• Career development perspectives.
• 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 41,020.00 for researchers.
• EUR 53,451.00 for research scholars (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 holiday entitlement.
• Relocation allowances and paid home leave.
• 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 . 

About Iiasa

IIASA is committed to a working environment that promotes equality, diversity, tolerance and inclusion within its workforce. This is reflected in our   and the . 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 
• , Research Scholar or, Program and Project Officer
• For general information about working at IIASA, contact: 

Applications

In order to apply for this opportunity, you will need to provide the following documents:

• 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: 15 October 2025