As Austria’s largest research and technology organisation for applied research, we are dedicated to make substantial contributions to solving the major challenges of our time, climate change and digitalisation. To achieve our goals, we rely on our specific research, development and technology competencies, which are the basis of our commitment to excellence in all areas. With our open culture of innovation and our motivated, international teams, we are working to position AIT as Austria’s leading research institution at the highest international level and to make a positive contribution to the economy and society.

The Center for Innovation Systems & Policy is looking for new Ingenious Partners for our location in Vienna. Our Center for Innovation Systems & Policy is a think tank in national and international research and innovation networks, and it is a key partner for public administration, companies, universities, and research institutions.

The Competence Unit Transformation Governance addresses the question of how transition processes and policies can be designed to best contribute to the solution of major societal challenges. Therefore, our scientists place a research focus on the design and analysis of instruments of transformative policy and related policy areas as well as questions of governance of socio-technical transformation processes. As part of our international and interdisciplinary Research Field Innovation Policy & Transformation , you will deal with current and future challenges in topics such as research, technology and innovation policy, infrastructure and industrial policies and societal transformation.

Scientist (f/m/d) for System Transition Modelling & Policy (Full time / Part-Time: 25+ hours / week)

CENTER FOR INNOVATION SYSTEMS & POLICY

• You are going to work on Transformation Pathways and Strategies at the intersection of energy and industrial systems.
• As part of a transdisciplinary team, you will help to bridge the boundaries between system analysis, foresight and modelling.
• You focus on using qualitative and quantitative modelling approaches for underpinning transformation pathways and exploring the influence of policy interventions.
• You will contribute to developing and acquiring projects in a team in close cooperation with national and international customers.

• You will prepare research results and communicate them to decision-makers in politics, business, and science.
• You contribute to evaluating the transformative impact of existing innovation policies, programs, and initiatives .
• You will publish results in scientific, policy oriented and social media channels.

Your qualifications as an Ingenious Partner:

• PhD in relevant social, economic, data science or related fields
• Interdisciplinary knowledge of transformation- oriented research , and in particular transition studies, sustainability science and complexity theory
• Demonstrated capability for bridging qualitative and quantitative modelling approaches , as well as modelling at different levels (micro, meso, macro), capacity to critically assess the suitability of different modelling approaches and justify a specific research design
• Proficiency in systems dynamics modelling tools, preferably with a focus on multi-system transformation pathways
• Experience in participatory modelling , experience with diverse modelling approaches, and domain knowledge related to energy transition and decarbonization of industry is an asset
• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, reflexivity and critical thinking skills
• Responsibility, teamwork, and communication skills
• Excellent written and spoken English, advanced German skills of advantage

Ideally also:

• Experience with transdisciplinary research; transformative impact assessment; policy and institutional analysis, and multi-level governance
• Experience with AI tools for modelling purposes, and ability to anticipate and explore innovative uses of AI
• Knowledge of Python and familiarity with a broad set of libraries used in systems dynamic and interdisciplinary modelling, as well visualisation libraries
• Knowledge of and experience in management of databases

What to expect:

The minimum gross annual salary on a full-time basis (38,5 h / week) according to the collective agreement is EUR 59.934,--. The actual salary will be determined individually, based on your qualifications and experience. In addition, we offer company benefits, flexible working conditions, individual training and career opportunities.

At AIT diversity and inclusion are of great importance. This is why we strive to inspire women to join our teams in the field of technology. We welcome applications from women, who will be given preference in case of equal qualifications after taking into account all relevant facts and circumstances of all applications.

Please submit your application including your CV, cover letter (in which you describe your specific research interests and your methodological strengths), and certificates online.