ENVIRONMENTAL DATA SCIENTISTS

Biodiversity, Ecology and conservation (BEC) research group
The Biodiversity, Ecology, and Conservation (BEC) Research Group, part of the IIASA Biodiversity and Natural Resources (BNR) Program is looking for two highly motivated and enthusiastic researchers with a background in ecological modeling or environmental science in a conservation or ecological context.

THE POSITION

The selected candidates will work in close collaboration with Dr. Martin Jung and Dr. Piero Visconti, and be ing statistical or process-based ecological models and/or spatial prioritization methods for integrated land-use planning at national and continental scale. Of particular interest are candidates with strong literacy in (spatial) data handling and processing, and the ability to and where possible develop statistical and process-based models to answer applied conservation questions. A commonality of the various projects that BEC leads or is involved in is the strong interdisciplinary perspective and collaboration. Although we are looking for researchers that can contribute to existing projects and outputs, candidates will ideally develop their own research profile within the area of applied ecological and conservation research in alignment with BEC research objectives. For further information about the work being done, see previous publications by BEC researchers.

REQUIREMENTS

• An advanced scientific degree (MSc, PhD) or equivalent qualification in advanced spatial prioritization and/or ecological modeling and interest in developing a career in science.Optimization methods e.g., use of integer programming or global search algorithms to solve multi-objective problems in R environment. Experience
• ing them to conservation problems would be highly desirable.
• Familiarity with at least one scientific coding language (R, Python, Julia). Experience in parallel computing and version control (e.g., Git) advantageous. Advanced spatial analyses in R highly desirable.
• Knowledge of cloud (e.g., Google Earth engine) and high-performance computing advantageous.
• Good understanding of current applied ecology and conservation research. Knowledge of common ecological models such species distribution modeling and ecological impact assessments desirable.
• Excellent organizational skills, pro-active and results-oriented, and the capacity to deliver on allocated tasks and respond in a timely manner to deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and with an international team distributed across different institutions and time-zones.
• A track record of publishing high-quality scientific research.
• Excellent communication skills (both written and oral) in English.
• 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.

• Developing workflows for integrated conservation planning using optimization frameworks.
• Large (spatial) data preparation for spatial planning and assessment of protected area effectiveness.
• ing and developing ecological modeling approaches for land use and climate impact assessments.
• Leading the dissemination of project results via high-quality journal publications and conference presentations.
• Contribute to the organization of project-related workshops and/or webinars.
• Support all project partners and other group members in the drafting of reports, grant proposals and other scientific outputs as need arises.