Netherlands nationals: Junior researcher Global impacts of climate change

Functie­omschrijving

Are you interested in studying climate change impacts? Are you good at data analysis and modelling and would you like to participate in a European research project? Then come and join our team at PBL!

The world has become almost 1.5 degrees warmer compared to in pre-industrial times, and the impacts of climate change are becoming more and more evident. With further warming expected in the future, the negative impacts are expected to exacerbate. Addressing the risks of climate change within the next decade has become urgent.

As our new junior researcher, you will be looking for options to improve and use the IMAGE model to assess the climate impacts. This will involve developing an understanding of climate impacts and adaptation, model improvement, and data collection using the integrated assessment model IMAGE. The IMAGE model is a long-term scenario model that links the natural and human environment, encompassing energy and land. In the project, you will work with us to focus on climate vulnerabilities and damages (such as those on crops, sea level rise, or the energy system) within integrated assessment modelling frameworks that entail projections on welfare, health, energy, and land use. The results of these assessments will be documented in scientific papers ensuring the transparency of the scientific methods used. The position offers the opportunity to write a PhD thesis.

You will work in the IMAGE team, a dynamic group of approximately 25 individuals working on specific topics related to climate change and other environmental concerns. The team is a mix of junior and senior researchers and is situated within the PBL Department Global Sustainability. Our department includes researchers working to bridge the gap between science and policy at the European and Global levels. The department is an integral part of the Netherlands Environmental and Assessment Agency (PBL) headquartered in The Hague and serves as the Dutch institute for strategic policy analysis in the fields of environment, nature, and spatial planning. PBL contributes to the SPARCCLE project, which will establish new methodological frameworks to link knowledge across disciplines and research communities working on climate impacts and risk in Europe. We also participate in the EERIE project, which aims to provide new, detailed scenarios of future climate change using next-generation high-resolution climate models. Both projects are funded under the Horizon Europe research program, and aim to identify possible impacts under different levels of warming.

Functie-eisen

• you have a relevant Master’s degree related to climate impact analysis and model-based analysis, for instance related to environmental or climate sciences
• you have strong analytical skills, you are a quick learner, and you are flexible in becoming familiar with new skills. You like to work on a range of different topics
• you are skilled in communicating your findings through presentations, policy studies, and articles, and you have excellent English language skills
• you have experience conducting your own work and function well as part of a multidisciplinary team
• additionally, you are enthusiastic about writing scientific papers; if you are interested, we could explore how your contributions may lead to a PhD dissertation

Arbeids­voorwaarden

• Salaris­niveau: schaal 10
• Maand­salaris: Min €3.404 – Max. €5.389 (bruto)
• Dienst­verband: Arbeidsovereenkomst voor bepaalde tijd
• Contract­duur: 4 years
• Minimaal aantal uren per week: 32
• Maximaal aantal uren per week: 36

Overige arbeids­voorwaarden

In addition to your salary, you will receive an Individual Budget (IKB). The IKB consists of funds (16.50% of your gross annual salary) and time. With the IKB, you make choices that are right for you, and you can decide on some of your employment conditions yourself. For example, you could opt to receive part of your monthly salary at a date of your choosing. You could also use the budget to purchase additional leave, or vice versa, or spend it on tax-efficient purchases. The Government of the Netherlands strongly values personal growth and career development and offers a wide range of options to achieve that. The fringe benefits include various study facilities, company fitness, a full compensation of your public transport expenses for your commute and partially paid parental leave.

Bijzonderheden

Onboarding
A good landing in the organisation is very important to us. In your introduction period, a direct colleague will be your first point of contact in the period in which you get acquainted with the organization, next to your manager. PBL has an introduction programme for new employees which focuses on the role and position of the agency, our working methods and the work culture.

Note that you live in the Netherlands and a basic understanding of Dutch language will be required. If necessary, you will be offered training to acquire this.

Deatails

• for more information about the application procedure, please call Geoffrey de Winter HRM advisor, on +31 625722671
• information about the content of the function: Detlef van Vuuren (06-11956484), detlef.vanvuuren@pbl.nl or Mark Dekker (0611530866), mark.dekker@pbl.nl
• we look forward to your letter of application including a Curriculum Vitae that describes your motivation and qualifications
• after the closing date the vacancy text is no longer visible online. Therefore we recommend you to download and save the vacancy text
• classification in the scale offered is based on knowledge and experience
• where it suits your activities, you can also work partly from home. However, you live and work in the Netherlands and spend at least half of your working hours at the office

Meer over jouw toekomstige afdeling

At PBL you will be part of The Department of Global Sustainability. This department analyses the effects of biodiversity loss and climate change on society. Looking at global scale, our department carries out assessments of policies, both proposed and already in place, on how to realize internationally agreed goals and targets for climate and biodiversity, as well as the broader SDG-agenda. The department supports the international sustainability policies of various Dutch ministries. It also studies scientific, economic and governance aspects of societal developments, applying mixed methods. MD contributes to international assessments such as IPCC, IPBES and UNEP GEO.

Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management

PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency is the national institute for strategic policy analysis in the fields of the environment, nature and spatial planning. We contribute to improving the quality of political and administrative decision-making by conducting outlook studies, analyses and evaluations in which an integrated approach is considered paramount. Policy relevance is the prime concern in all of our studies. We conduct solicited and unsolicited research that is independent and scientifically sound. At PBL, we believe in an inclusive and team-based work environment. Collaborating with people of different backgrounds and with different ideas and perspectives creates a more creative work environment that delivers better results.

PBL The Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency is administratively part of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management is committed to improving quality of life, access and mobility in a clean, safe and sustainable environment. The Ministry strives to create an efficient network of roads, railways, waterways and airways, effective water management to protect against flooding, and improved air and water quality.

Would you like to know what it’s like to work at PBL? Have a look at this video or our website.