The Exploratory Modeling Of Human-Natural Systems (EM) and the Integrated Assessment and Climate Change (IACC) Research Groups at IIASA are looking to recruit a scientist experienced with Earth Observation data (especially, high resolution satellite products), with good programming and modeling skills to work on the Earth Observation for Bookkeeping Modeling (EO4BK) project.BackgroundThe EO4BK project aims to assess the opportunities for improved understanding and quantification of changes in the land use related carbon pools and fluxes, by incorporating Earth Observation (EO) information in bookkeeping (BK) models. The project is sponsored by the European Space Agency and is jointly implemented with partner institutions, with IIASA in the lead.The RoleThe selected candidate will join an interdisciplinary and international team to develop a new-generation BK model fully driven by EO data. The work will focus on the European and Brazilian regions, with the concrete objective of estimating the effect of changing crop types and management practices on land use CO2 emissions, which is notably motivated by the existing European Green Deal policy.Depending on the successful applicant’s own interests, longer-term opportunities related to this position could range from applying the newly developed model at global scale to contribute to the Global Carbon Budget and other community exercises, to further supporting and improving the modeling tools and capabilities of the Earth system modeling team.Main Tasks and ResponsibilitiesDevelop a new bookkeeping modeling platform, using existing concepts but a new code infrastructure.Derive new bookkeeping model parameters using EO data.Benchmark the resulting bookkeeping model through extensive test simulations.Write and contribute to the project deliverables.Write and contribute to scientific articles derived from the above work, and present those at scientific workshops and conferences.RequirementsPhD degree (or equivalent) in physical geography, climate sciences, environmental sciences, or other relevant field(s); other qualifications/profiles close to that of a scientific programmer may also be considered.Experience with scientific programming using the Python language is essential. Knowledge of other programming languages will be considered an asset.Experience working with Earth Observation data, in particular satellite data products essential.Excellent communication skills in English (written and verbal).Proven ability to write scientific articles an asset.Excellent organizational skills, results-oriented mindset, proactivity and adaptability.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.Appointment TermsThe successful candidate should be available to take up the position in November 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. We offer an initial fixed-term, full-time employment contract for one year, with the possibility for extension thereafter.Eligible applicants wishing to work part-time hours may be considered.Duties will be carried out at the IIASA premises in Laxenburg, near Vienna in Austria.
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