The AFE Research Group, part of the IIASA Biodiversity and Natural Resources (BNR) Program, invites applications for a highly motivated researcher / research scholar to contribute to the BeWhere modelling agenda - a core component of the group’s integrated modeling framework.

Read the full details and apply on the IIASA website >

Background

The AFE Research Group focuses on generating new scientific knowledge and developing state‑of‑the‑art modeling tools to support the understanding, assessment, and management of global and regional agriculture, forestry, and natural land systems under increasing uncertainty. The group’s research aims to inform policy and decision‑making related to sustainable land use, resource management, and climate mitigation.

Robust assessment and management of natural resources require a deep understanding of complex, interacting biophysical and techno‑economic processes within terrestrial ecosystems. To this end, AFE seeks to advance integrated analytical approaches that jointly address agriculture, forestry, and natural land ecosystems at global, regional, and national scales. The group’s ambition is to maintain a leading position in interdisciplinary research that bridges natural resource systems, energy systems, and sustainability transitions. 

Main tasks and responsibilities

• Enhance and maintain the BeWhere model database by integrating spatial data sets relevant to the circular bioeconomy including techno‑economic, socio‑economic, ecosystem services, and policy‑related information.

• Expand BeWhere’s capabilities to include multi-objective optimization, uncertainty-aware and stochastic modelling approaches. Analyze, interpret and visualize BeWhere modelling results by producing spatial maps, indicators, and visualization tools to communicate result for scientific publications, project deliverables, and stakeholder engagement.

• In line with the collaborative and interdisciplinary working culture at IIASA, the incumbent may occasionally contribute to additional tasks assigned by supervisors. These may fall outside the immediate scope of this position but will draw on the post holder’s expertise and support the group’s work where emerging needs or temporary capacity constraints arise

  
  

Application deadline: 09 August 2026