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Application and Selection Process of the IIASA-Funded Postdoctoral Program

IIASA Postdoctoral Program
IIASA provides full funding for two postdoctoral researchers each year. Scholars are expected to conduct their own research within one of IIASA's research programs or special projects on topics closely related to IIASA's agenda. The application process for a post-doctoral scholarship at IIASA is outlined below:

The goals of the IIASA Postdoctoral Program are:

• to encourage and promote the development of young researchers and offer them the opportunity to further their careers by gaining hands-on professional research experience in a highly international scientific environment; and
• to enrich IIASA’s intellectual environment and help achieve research program goals.

As well as the special prestige attached to a postdoctoral award at IIASA, recipients enjoy a substantial number of professional benefits as well as a competitive remuneration package.

Research Proposal & Pre-discussions
Communication with relevant program representatives is strongly encouraged at the earliest possible stage, and before submitting an application. This level of personal interaction is vital not only to discuss research ideas and ascertain their relevance to IIASA’s scientific agenda but it also allows much more realistic formulation of research plans and expectations on the part of both IIASA and the applicant. An introductory e-mail is preferred as a means of first contact.

Candidates are required to develop and submit a research proposal that interfaces their own research interests with the research agenda of one of the various activities pursued at IIASA. Please note that only after reviewing your outlined draft proposal can the programs properly judge whether the research proposal fits their expertise and comment on the formulated question/problem. In order to find the suitable program please view our web site as well as the research agenda of the relevant program of your choice.

Evaluation criteria

• The quality of the proposed research
• The relevance for ongoing or planned research activities at IIASA. Proposals relevant to two or more IIASA programs are possible and encouraged.
• Candidates' academic merit and potential for successful research (graduate record, publication record, and letters of recommendation).
• A demonstrated ability to think and work independently and in a team.
• Candidates' depth of experience with interdisciplinary research.
• The degree to which a candidate would contribute to the long-term balance of postdoctoral positions in terms of programs, gender, and country of origin.

Selection process
The awards, which are of up to 2 years' duration, are the result of a competitive process and carry special recognition both within and outside the Institute

The selection committee is composed of IIASA scientists. Additional input may be sought from external reviewers familiar with the candidate's research topics. The committee will also request a letter of recommendation from the respective IIASA Program Leader indicating the interest and willingness of the program to host the scholar. Based on the recommendation of the selection committee, IIASA’s Director makes the final decision on the recipients of the postdoctoral awards.

Acceptance
Successful candidates will receive a letter of acceptance and a contract offer. They can begin their research at IIASA at any time after notification, but no later than 6 months after receiving the contract offer.

Financial resources

• an allowance for relocation expenses to and from Laxenburg limited support for business travel
• a salary that is internationally competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. It is exempt from taxation in Austria, but subject to the principle of income aggregation.
• All appointees are eligible for either state or private health insurance.

Application Procedure 2012
The application deadline for our 2011 program was on February 28, 2011. Applications for 2012 will be accepted online as of October 2011 until February 29, 2012 (24:00 CET).

Should you have any other queries, please do not hestitate to contact the Postdoctoral Coordinator Ms. Sheila Poor.

Responsible for this page: Sheila Poor poor@iiasa.ac.at