Researcher / Research Scholar - Real Zero Pathways

Researcher / Research Scholar - Real Zero Pathways The Energy, Climate, and Environment program at IIASA is seeking a Researcher or Research Scholar to contribute to the Pathways workstream of the Exploring Real Zero project. The role involves analyzing innovation gaps in mitigation pathways, coordinating modeling teams, and synthesizing results across integrated assessment models. Candidates will also be responsible for processing scenario data, contributing to written outputs, and presenting findings to diverse audiences. This position offers an opportunity to engage in impactful research on sustainability and climate change. Main Tasks and Responsibilities: Contribute to / lead the cross-model innovation gaps analysis: design and run the survey across modeling teams, maintain the ranked gap inventory, and quantify residual gross emissions by sector and gap across three global IAMsContribute to / develop the analytics around the modeling protocol: diagnostic checks of scenario submissions against the protocol, and documentation of harmonized assumptions and remaining differences across models Contribute to / develop the cross-model synthesis comparing new pathways to the existing literature, including preparation of scenario submissions to the Scenario Compass Initiative and FAIR publication of scenario data Support the embedding of methodological guardrails (technology scale-up rates, carbon dioxide removal, CO2 storage, justice) into scenario parameterization and design across the modeling teams Contribute to the implementation of model advances in MESSAGEix alongside the sectoral modeling team, as the division of gap-closure work permits Support scenario extractions and analysis for national fossil fuel phase-out roadmap development Process multi-model scenario data (IAMC format) into consistent indicators, figures and statistics, with version-controlled, reproducible code Contribute to / lead written outputs, including reports and scientific papers Present methods and results to technical and non-technical audiences Skills, Qualifications & Experience: Master's (R1) or PhD (R2) degree in energy systems, climate or environmental science, engineering, economics or a related field Knowledge of integrated assessment modeling and mitigation scenario analysis, including the scenario literature on residual emissions, carbon dioxide removal and carbon capture and storage Proficient programmer, with experience in Python for data analysis (e.g. pandas, pyam) and reproducible, version-controlled workflows (git) Experience with IAMC-format scenario data; hands-on experience with an integrated assessment modeling framework (e.g. MESSAGEix, REMIND, GCAM) is a plus Demonstrated experience of writing up methodologies and results in reports, scientific publications and/or policy-relevant materials Fluency in English and good presentation skills Appointment Terms: The successful candidate should be available to take up the position as soon as possible - no later than January 2027.The place of work is IIASA in Laxenburg, near Vienna, Austria (home office options available).The successful candidate will be appointed as a researcher (R1) OR Research Scholar (R2) depending on qualifications and experience and in accordance with the IIASA profiles for research careers. We offer:1-year full-time fixed-term contract (100%, 40 hrs/week), with the possibility of extension thereafter. Flexible arrangements on duration can be discussed, and part-time arrangements will also be considered. An attractive annual salary starting at EUR 42,374, exempt from income tax in Austria (social insurance deductions still apply), negotiable depending on the research level you are appointed to. 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.