Project staff member (pre-doc)

You want to understand how things are connected and make a fundamental impact? We offer an environment where you can realize your full potential. At one of Europe’s largest and most modern business and economics universities. On a campus where quality of work is also quality of life. We are looking for support at the

Institute for Transport and Logistics Management
Part-time, 30 hours/week
Starting March 01, 2025, and ending after 3 years   The FWF Project DISADIST-ABM will model the distributional and spatial impacts of natural disasters using data-driven computational economic models. We aim to understand impacts on well-being beyond standard economic metrics. Therefore, the project will involve detailed modeling of households that are heterogeneous by age, gender, income, skills, family structure, etc. The project will also require detailed modeling of firms’ behavior in the immediate aftermath of disasters and in the reconstruction phase. Integrated modeling of geographically located households and firms will allow us to test policies aimed at protecting the most vulnerable of the population more comprehensively.   As a fully funded 3-year PhD candidate at the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU), a leading business school in Europe, you will be part of a dynamic, creative, internationally oriented and appreciative research team. In this project, you will be closely collaborating with Anton Pichler (WU), Marco Pangallo (Center for Artificial Intelligence, Turin), and Maria del Rio-Chanona (University College London).

What to expect

• Developing research leadership: You will play a leading role in the project. The work involves the analysis of (large) micro-level datasets, constructing synthetic populations, and developing, calibrating, and validating granular agent-based economic models of disasters. You will need to adapt existing and develop new research methodologies and materials, engage in collaborative activities with the project team, and act as a source of information and advice to other group members on methodologies or procedures. This work involves active project management tasks necessary to meet given deadlines.
• Scientific publications: You will be responsible for converting your findings into comprehensive research papers and presenting them at top-tier academic and professional venues. 

What you have to offer

We search for critical thinkers who are open- and quantitative-minded, have a collaborative spirit, and feel comfortable within an interdisciplinary environment cutting across complex systems, economics, and natural sciences. We encourage you to apply if you are eager to understand how climate-induced disasters affect the economy at a granular level and have an aptitude for data-driven, realistic computational economic models.

• Master’s (or equivalent) with a quantitative focus (e.g., data science, physics, engineering, economics, statistics).
• Strong interest in climate-driven natural disasters and their economic impacts.
• Research experience with large datasets and computational models (e.g., agent-based models).
• Ability to understand, implement, and calibrate existing economic models of natural disasters
• Technical research skills (Python, Julia, R, etc.).
• Team player and eager to engage in international, multidisciplinary collaboration networks.
• Ability to independently conduct scientific research.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Following documents must be submitted: your CV, cover letter, certificates, and contact details of at least 1 reference.

What we offer you

• Inspiring campus life with over 2,400 employees in research, teaching, and administration and approximately 21,500 students
• A modern campus with spectacular architecture in the heart of Vienna
• Excellent accessibility by public transportation
• Meaningful work in an open-minded, inclusive, and family-friendly environment
• Flexible working hours
• A wide range of benefits, from an in-house medical officer to athletic activities and a meal allowance to a variety of employee discounts

Curious? Visit our website and find out more at www.wu.ac.at/benefits

The minimum monthly gross salary amounts to €2,684.10 (14 times per year). This salary may be adjusted based on job-related prior work experience. In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive social benefits.

Do you want to join the WU team?
Then please submit your application by January 15, 2025 (ID 2281).
We are looking forward to hearing from you!