Research Scholar for nature-based climate solutions research project
The AFE Research Group strives to generate knowledge and develop state-of-the-art modeling tools with the objective of advancing the scientific community and supporting policy stakeholders in their effort to better understand and manage global and regional land systems.
The project
Funded by the International Climate Initiative, AFE is coordinating the four-year impact-oriented research project Evolving Participatory Information System (EPISTEM) for Nature-based Solutions.
EPISTEM aims to provide and mainstream open-source technology that could provide actors of nature-based climate solutions (NCS) with access to high-quality Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) data. Focusing on Indonesia and broader Southeast Asia, the EPISTEM initiative will support the region’s NCS aspirations through data empowerment that could unlock technical barriers for activities across the NCS delivery chain.
Main tasks and responsibilities
1. Collaborate with remote sensing experts and NCS specialists in Indonesia to design, develop, and optimize an open-source, automated LULC mapping technology tailored to Southeast Asia’s ecological and geographical contexts.
2. Conduct testing, validation, and ensure the accuracy and reliability of the LULC mapping technology, incorporating local knowledge and expertise.
3. Collaborate with remote sensing experts and NCS specialists in Indonesia to develop an open repository for participatory LULC reference data generation.
4. Develop a robust LULC key interpretation algorithm to ensure the production of high-quality, accurate LULC maps from satellite imagery.
5. Design and coordinate mapathon activities, engaging local stakeholders and citizen scientists in generating high-quality LULC reference data.
6. Contribute to the creation of user-friendly documentation, tutorials, and guidelines for the LULC mapping tools and processes.
Requirements
1. PhD or Master's degree (or equivalent) in remote sensing, applied ecology, or a related field, with extensive experience in remote sensing data processing.
2. Proven expertise in geospatial processing and satellite image interpretation using Google Earth Engine or similar cloud-based platforms.
3. In-depth knowledge of satellite imagery sources and their applicability for land use/cover mapping in tropical regions, particularly in Indonesia.
4. Strong understanding of satellite image calibration, correction, and processing techniques.
5. Experience in developing applications that integrate geospatial processing results with web-based tools, databases, or user interfaces.
6. Demonstrated experience in research related to the land use sector in Indonesia or Southeast Asia.
7. Excellent organizational skills with demonstrated capability to work independently and respond to deadlines in a timely manner.
8. Fluency in English (both written and spoken) is required; proficiency in Bahasa Indonesia is advantageous.
9. Strong interpersonal skills and a willingness to work in a diverse, collaborative environment.
Appointment terms
The selected candidate should be available to take up the position by August 2025 (start date negotiable). We offer an initial fixed-term, two-year, full-time (40 hours per week) employment contract, with the possibility of extension thereafter. Eligible applicants wishing to work part-time hours may be considered.
The place of work is at the IIASA premises in Laxenburg, near Vienna in Austria.
Other benefits
* Educational subsidies for children of school age enrolled in private schools in Austria.
* A generous five weeks of annual leave plus additional institute days off.
* 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.
Application Process
We invite you to submit your application in English by clicking on the apply button.
Please include:
* A cover letter outlining your motivation and fit to the position.
* Your CV.
* The contact details of two reference givers.
Deadline for receipt of applications: 14 May 2025
IIASA is committed to a working environment that promotes equality, diversity, tolerance and inclusion within its workforce. We encourage qualified candidates from all religious, ethnic, and social backgrounds to apply.
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