Two Postdoctoral Research Scholar openings in climate habitability, planned relocation, and climate mobilities International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis in Austria

Two postdoctoral research openings are available at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) within the ERC-funded ALTHAEA project, focused on climate mobilities, planned relocation, and habitability in a changing climate.

The project examines how societies respond when places become untenable, who defines what is “habitable,” and how relocation is governed across four case study sites in southern Europe: Italy, France, Greece, and Spain. The two roles are complementary: one centers on understanding habitability through conceptual development and the psychological, social, and institutional dimensions of (im)mobility decisions; the other focuses on governing habitability by analysing planned relocation as a governance response, including policies, institutions, power dynamics, and knowledge systems.

Both positions involve qualitative fieldwork such as semi-structured interviews, policy analysis, and focus groups, and both expect publication in peer-reviewed journals. The ideal background includes human geography, environmental governance, anthropology, political science, or environmental psychology.

The positions are based at IIASA in Laxenburg near Vienna, with hybrid work possible. The salary is EUR 55,215+ per year, tax-exempt in Austria. The application deadline is 14 June 2026.

Applicants should choose the role that best matches their research profile and apply through the relevant IIASA job portal link.