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.
  • Analyze 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 IIASA profiles for research careers.


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.

Full details can be found here and in the attached.

 

Deadline for receipt of applications: 14th JUNE 2026

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