The Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW), Austria’s leading non-university research and science institution, is offering a Position as

POSTDOC POSITION for Landscape Evolution Modelling in the context of mountain hazards (F/M/X)

 (Full-time employee)

This position is part of the Working Group Coupled Human Landscape System (CHLS) at the IGF (Insitute for Interdisciplinary Mountain Resarch), based in Innsbruck, Austria.

The position is for an initial period of one year with the possibility of an extension for up to six years in total.

 (Office & remote)

Your Tasks

• Focus on developing an exploratory landscape evolution model (LEM) and on collectively investigating (with the CHLS team) how climate change and human activities shape the landscape.
• Integrate mountain hazard processes (e.g. landslides, debris flow) into a LEM.
• Design your own research in the context of LEM in line withthe objectives of the CHLS research groupand publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration within the CHLS team to enhance the conceptual model for the analysis of coupled human-landscape systems in mountain areas (Hossain et al. 2020). This includes the identification of crucial couplings and interactions within the biophysical dimension on different spatial and temporal scales.
• Contribute to a numerical prototype of a coupled human-landscape model, grounded in our conceptual framework and case-study sites. Socio-economic dynamics are covered by another postdoc focusing on agent-based modeling.
• Seek out and contribute to proposal writing efforts to secure third-party funding for further research within the group.

Your Profile

• PhD degree in the fields of e.g. geography, hydrology, geosciences, environmental sciences or similar scientific fields (e.g. computer science) with a good understanding of mountain physical processes.
• Proven expertise in programming (Python, Matlab, C# and others) and script development.
• Proven experience in numerical and physically-based model building.
• Expertise in landscape evolution models (e.g. CAESAR-Lisflood, LANDLAB etc.) is an asset.
• Expertise in geomorphology (preferably in mountain hazard processes).
• Experience and openness towards exploratory modeling.
• Experience in interdisciplinary research and collaboration across various disciplines.
• Experience with human-environment interactions, coupled human-natural systems, risk & resilience is an asset.
• Highly motivated with a demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Dedicated to achieving scientific excellence, effective in scientific communication, and committed to producing high-quality publications.

Our Offer

• Excellent opportunities to work in a lively research environment and collaborate with international experts in the fields related to the project (e.g. LEM developers, hazard processes modelers).
• The financial resources are available for up to 6 years (maximum employment period for postdocs at the ÖAW).
• An annual gross salary of € 69.028,40 according to the salary scheme of the Austrian Academy of Sciences
• Possibility to work from home up to 40% of the working time.

Please apply online including (1) a curriculum vitae, (2) a list of publications, (3) statement of past and current research experience (up to 2 pages), (4) a letter of intent outlining your motivation and providing insights & perspectives for the proposed research outline (minimum 3 pages), (5) certificates for full academic record, and (6) up to three names of references with the full contact information no later than 11 July 2025.

The interviews are planned for July 23 and 24, 2025.

The Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW) pursues a non-discriminatory employment policy and values equal opportunities, as well as diversity. Individuals from underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.