The Institute of Interdisciplinary Mountain Research (IGF) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW), Austria’s leading non-university research and science institution, engages in basic and applied research on impacts of global change processes in mountain regions across the globe. The working groups at the IGF provide a broad spectrum of expertise on a wide range of topics, and together create an exciting atmosphere for interdisciplinary mountain research. The institute is offering a

Postdoc Position (F/m/x)

for Landscape Evolution Modelling in the context of mountain hazards

(full-time, 40h per week)

for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of an extension for up to six years in total. The position is affiliated with the Working Group Coupled Human Landscape System (CHLS) at the IGF, located in Innsbruck/Austria.

Your tasks:

• Work primarily on a landscape evolution model (LEM) and tackle questions on climate change and/or human impact on landscape evolution.
• Develop or adapt a LEM taking mountain hazard processes (landslides, debris flows) into consideration.
• Design your own research in the context of LEM in line with the objectives of the CHLS research group and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration within the CHLS team at the IGF and at the Department of Geography, University of Innsbruck - 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.
• Develop a numerical prototype of the coupled model for the human-landscape interaction system, based on the conceptual model and the study sites, which will be tested and evaluated within the interdisciplinary CHLS team. Another postdoc is focusing on agent-based modeling and social/economic aspects.
• 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.
• Mandatory proven experience with landscape evolution models (e.g. CAESAR-Lisflood, LANDLAB etc.).
• Proven experience in numerical and physically based model building.
• Expertise in geomorphology (preferably in mountain hazard processes).
• Experience in interdisciplinary research and collaboration across various disciplines.
• Experience in programming (Python, Matlab, C# and others) and script development is highly desirable.
• Experience with human-environment interactions, coupled human-natural systems, risk and 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 highquality 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 OeAW).
• An annual gross salary of € 66.501,40 according to the salary scheme of the Austrian Academy of Science.
• Possibility to work from home up to 40% of the working time.

Please send your application 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 by e-mail in a single PDF file to bewerbung-igf@oeaw.ac.at (mentioning Job ID: IGF168PD124) no later than December 31st, 2024. The interviews will take place on January 13th and 14th, 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.