Junior researcher in the field of natural hazard risk and social vulnerability analysis

Short description of the position:

Eurac Research and the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) have recently initiated the joint research programme GLOMOS (Global Mountain Safeguard Research). GLOMOS is carrying out research in global mountain regions and can hereby build on the scientific profiles and capacities of both institutions. By doing so, GLOMOS seeks to increase the resilience of mountain communities and to support the sustainable development of sensitive mountain social-ecological systems.

GLOMOS carries out research on disaster risk reduction (DRR), climate change adaptation (CCA) and emergency response preparedness (ERP). Its scientific activities strive for the better management of increasing systemic and interconnected risks. Within GLOMOS, a recently acquired Horizon Europe (HEU) project ‘PARATUS’ provides the frame for research on dynamic risks, multi-hazard impact chains, risk reduction measures, and disaster response scenarios in the context of systemic risks and related vulnerabilities as well as uncertainties.

We are therefore looking for a junior researcher to  carry out  the scientific tasks within the PARATUS project comprising the forensic analysis of vulnerabilities related to cascading / multiple hazardous events in the past as well as the development of pathways for reducing loss and damage linked to similar future events. This work is fully embedded within the GLOMOS programme and additionally incorporates the support to other GLOMOS project tasks on demand. That is, the successful candidate will be consistently learning about and where possible contributing to other relevant scientific projects at Eurac and at UNU-EHS.

The position is designed to deepen and extend the employee’s scientific profile and  the successful candidate will have the opportunity to write his/her PhD being affiliated to one of the partner universities of the PARATUS project.

Tasks:

Under the authority, supervision and guidance of the head of the GLOMOS Bolzano office the successful candidate will be entrusted with the following tasks:

• Focal contact person for the scientific and managerial tasks in the upcoming HEU project PARATUS:
• Analysis of past natural hazard events in various regions worldwide with a focus on mountain areas (Alps, Romania, Turkey, Caribbean) and with an emphasis on relevant social/socio-cultural vulnerabilities;
• Development of impact chains resulting in specific risks including the respective underlying drivers in order to better understand the complex interconnectivities leading to loss and damage;
• Management and implementation of technical tasks and reporting duties within the PARATUS project.

As a member of the GLOMOS team:

• Support the further development of GLOMOS research activities related to climate and disaster risk and vulnerabilities, including the resilience of communities towards climate change;
• Support the acquisition and management of further research projects;
• Writing of scientific publications and project reports.

Qualifications and Experience 

Required: 

• Master’s degree or its equivalent in the field of risk management, geography, environmental studies, applied social science or a comparable course of study.
• Interest in hazard related risks (hazard processes, social vulnerabilities, community resilience etc.).
• Good knowledge of scientific methods for data management and data analysis.
• Experience with data and information acquisition relevant for risk analysis.
• A thorough understanding of different concepts and approaches to analyse and assess climate/disaster risks and related vulnerabilities/resilience.
• Proactive, independent approach to achieving personal and collective objectives and positive team player with respect for diversity within a multi-cultural working environment.
• Proficient command of English, written and spoken.

Desired: 

• Previous experience in scientific project proposal preparation and project reporting
• Project management experience
• Proven experience of writing peer-reviewed papers
• Experience with spatial data analysis/GIS
• Experience in data collection from people and populations (surveys, interviews, questionnaires).
• Knowledge of Italian and/or German language

We offer:

This is a full-time (40hrs/week) employment on a 2 (two) year contract with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory work performance and availability of funds.

How to apply:

Interested candidates should submit their application (CV, cover letter and further relevant documents) by January, 15th 2023.

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