PhD Scholar - Resource Inequality & Wellbeing Implications

at  International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis IIASA

POSITION OVERVIEW

The successful candidate will primarily work on the cutting-edge REMASS research project, exploring themes related to inequalities in global socioeconomic metabolism, the resilience of global supply chains and the wellbeing impacts of alternate provisioning systems. The research will use input-output analysis, econometrics, and data science methods more generally, alongside normative theories of wellbeing including the Decent Living Standards to explore these themes. The candidate will specialize in one or more of these methods and research themes.

SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Educational background: Excellent master’s degree in ecological economics, environmental science, engineering, or related interdisciplinary sustainability sciences.
• Technical skills:
• Demonstrated expertise in data analysis, with proficiency in relevant software and programming languages (e.g., R, Python).
• Experience in handling large socioeconomic datasets.
• Experience with modern tools and concepts related to scientific software development is an asset, including version control, unit testing, continuous integration, and (automated) documentation.
• Research experience:
• Background in studying production and consumption inequalities and/or supply chain impacts.
• Some experience in working with theories of wellbeing and provisioning systems would be an advantage.
• Demonstrated experience in academic writing and publishing.
• Other qualifications: Fluency in English and excellent presentation skills.
  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.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Inequality analysis: Develop and

• methods to compare within-country and cross-country production and consumption inequalities, their material underpinnings and wellbeing outcomes.
• Data processing: Process various datasets, including IO tables, trade databases, consumption data, and income data, to create a comprehensive picture of production and consumption inequalities.Socio-metabolic analysis: Develop and
• approaches to analyze the trade-offs and substitutability of different materials within consumption categories to assess reliance to shocks. Capture the socio-economic and environmental impacts of metabolic transitions and possible disruptions. Assess the material and resource footprints of alternative provisioning systems and their wellbeing impacts.
• Regional and national case studies: Study the transition of resource-endowed countries from extractive models to the development of local downstream industries.
• Publication and dissemination: Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences. Contribute to project reports, stakeholder communication, and capacity-building activities.

To 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.
• Examples of your work (e.g., a scientific manuscript, R or PYTHON script, etc.)
• The names, addresses (including e-mail), and telephone numbers of two reference givers