RESEARCH PROFILE²

We seek an outstanding researcher with a strong international profile in global scenario modelling, climate policy analysis, or a closely related field. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience in the development, application, or critical advancement of integrated assessment models (IAMs) or comparable large-scale computational frameworks for analysing climate and technology policy.

In line with the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) and the principles of the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA), IT:U assesses academic excellence through a broad competence framework that considers the full range of research contributions — including but not limited to publications, datasets, software, policy engagement, mentoring, interdisciplinary collaboration, and societal impact — rather than relying primarily on publication metrics.

Beyond technical modelling expertise, the successful candidate should bring a commitment to interdisciplinary research that connects computational approaches with other relevant fields. IT:U values researchers who can bridge methodological traditions and engage diverse perspectives in addressing complex societal challenges.

The successful candidate is expected to contribute to the development of innovative computational and modelling approaches that enhance our understanding of:

• Global transition pathways and the impacts of climate and technology policy
• Short- to medium-term policy and technology dynamics and their representation in large-scale models, including implications of near-term policy targets (including Nationally Determined Contributions) for long-term climate targets
• Country- and region-level pathways and international interactions (e.g., technology diffusion, energy trade)
• Trade-offs and synergies between decarbonisation, competitiveness, and economic development
• Climate-related economic and financial risks and opportunities, including investment needs, transition risk, and stranded-asset dynamics
• Coupled dynamics of global energy-system transitions, macroeconomic development, and international policy

We welcome applications from researchers whose work engages with these themes through a variety of methodological approaches, including but not limited to integrated assessment modelling, computational scenario analysis, agent-based modelling, machine learning applied to climate systems, or interdisciplinary frameworks that combine quantitative and qualitative methods.

ABOUT IT:U

IT:U is Austria’s emerging public university dedicated to understanding, driving, and evaluating digital transformation for the benefit of our societies, our economy, and our environment. A new kind of science holds the key to sustainable solutions for the complex, multifaceted challenges we face today: computational methods and interdisciplinary research transform how we do science, how we design systems, and how we contribute to solutions of global challenges.  

At IT:U we research, teach, and learn things that matter to you and to the world. IT:U prioritizes inter- and transdisciplinary research, emphasizing mission-based study programs and project-based learning. IT:U is dedicated to developing highly innovative learning technology for support and scalability. By overcoming disciplinary boundaries, IT:U confronts the conflicting realities of today and cultivates the skills to navigate an increasingly digital world. If you are inspired to build this entirely new university with us, then you are the one we are looking for.

IT:U professors are excited about the opportunities that computational methods and especially artificial intelligence create within and across disciplines. Their work transcends established methodological boundaries and enriches a whole spectrum of scientific fields. They are open to forward-thinking approaches to learning and the cocreation of knowledge. IT:U seeks to increase the percentage of women in such interdisciplinary scientific communities following the IT:U Affirmative Action Plan. We specifically encourage qualified women to apply. When in doubt: apply!

IT:U provides an environment in which you can grow:

• Independent research groups: The professor will create their own research group
• Low student/teacher ratio: There will be no large lectures, instead you will be teaching within projects and small groups
• Teaching support: Learning professionals will support your teaching actively
• Completely English-speaking environment
• Highly service-oriented administration

IT:U students will predominantly learn in projects. As a professor you will collaborate closely with project coaches, lecturers, and lab experts to build skills, foster problem solving abilities, and ignite passion. This face-to-face work in projects will be complemented by online sessions before, between, and after the project to support the learning process. While this style of teaching demands effort, we find it to be exceptionally rewarding. And our learning professionals are committed to support you. IT:U offers doctoral schools since fall 2024, and a Master's programs since fall 2025. 

IT:U is one of a kind. The Interdisciplinary Transformation University was installed by a particular law specifically designed to provide this institution the independence, agility and funding necessary to act this way, outside of the slow pre-defined processes commonly followed

The working language at IT:U is English, fostering a globally inclusive learning environment; therefore, candidates must be fluent in English.

IT:U believes the intellectual, cultural, and social diversity of our faculty, staff, and students is vitally important to the distinction and excellence of our academic and research programs. We seek candidates who support our institutional commitment to ensuring that IT:U is inclusive, equitable, and diverse.

OUR OFFER

• Competitive salaries starting from €100.000 (tenured professor) per year as base payment. Overpayment is envisaged according to experience.
• Fully funded PhD students and/or Postdoc positions 
• Full integration into Austria’s robust public health system, boasting outstanding clinical facilities and comprehensive healthcare coverage for you and your family.
• The position is subject to a pending project- and financial- agreement with an external donor , as the position is externally funded for the first two years.
• Dual career support or dual hiring if applicable 
• Relocation services incl. paid temporary housing for the first 3 months (relocation to the Greater area of Linz, Austria, is expected)
• Relocation tax allowance of 30% on income from scientific activities is possible for a period of 5 years (requirements must be examined)
• Perks and benefits like free public transportation (e.g. KlimaTicket).  

Welcome services: As part of our commitment to supporting the well-being of our employees, we will assist you in securing appropriate facilities such as day nurseries, kindergartens, playgroups, and schools for the seamless integration of your family into our community.

IT:U values gender competence and diversity awareness as part of a candidate's academic profile. Applicants are encouraged to address their experience with or commitment to inclusive research environments, gender-sensitive methodologies, and diversity in team leadership in their application materials.

At IT:U, we believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to gender equality, creating an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities for growth and success. Additionally, we embrace individuals with diverse abilities and strive to provide a supportive and accessible workplace for people of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities. IT:U is committed to inclusive recruitment in accordance with applicable law. Applicants who require reasonable accommodations at any stage of the application or interview process are invited to contact board@it-u.at so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

PLEASE APPLY

Applications must include:

• cover letter and motivation for application (1-2 pages)
• curriculum vitae including a list of publications
• three referees – names and addresses of three or more individuals who are willing to provide a letter of recommendation for you. Please note: We will only contact these referees if you make the shortlist and are invited to the hearings.
• research statement describing your future research program and especially illustrating your interdisciplinary approaches (2-3 pages)
• teaching & mentoring statement with a specific focus on how you envision to teach within projects (2-3 pages)

DEADLINE: Friday, May 29th, 2026 (EOD)
Review of applications will commence immediately after

INTERVIEWS for the positions will be held online presumably June 18th and 19th 2026. Candidates are asked to be available during this timeframe. The exact date will be communicated as soon as the shortlist has been finalized (early June 2026).

Start date: September 1st, 2026. Due to the external funding, a later starting date is not possible. The external funding timeline requires commencement of the position by this date. IT:U will work with the successful candidate to ensure a smooth transition, including flexibility in on-site presence during the initial period where compatible with the requirements of the role and the funding agreement.