Junior / Research Software Engineer

Education and Background

• Bachelor's or Master's degree, or equivalent experience, in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Scientific Computing, Engineering, Natural Sciences, or related discipline.
  
  Essential skills and competencies:
• Good knowledge of SQL and relational database concepts.
• Java or similar coding experience is an advantage, particularly for working with and further developing existing application components.
• Understanding of software development principles, testing, debugging, and version control.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to work carefully with large and complex scientific datasets.
• Ability and willingness to understand scientific models and the relationships between model inputs, calculations, and results.
• Strong ability and willingness to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team and communicate with both technical colleagues and scientific domain experts.
• Good written and spoken English.
  
  Desirable skills:
• Interest in AI, Machine Learning, Large Language Models, and their application within scientific environments.
• Oracle Database and PL/SQL.
• Scientific data processing and analysis; large relational databases and complex SQL.
• Database performance analysis and optimization, e.g., experience with the columnar-based database/datalakehouse
• Automated data validation, quality assurance, statistical methods, and anomaly detection.
• REST APIs and database-backed web applications.
• Interest in air-pollution, climate, energy, emissions, or integrated assessment modelling.
• Previous experience working with researchers or in interdisciplinary scientific teams.

The successful candidate should be available to take up the position as soon as possible - No later than January 2027.

The place of work is IIASA in Laxenburg, near Vienna, Austria (home office options available).

The successful candidate will be appointed as a Junior Research Software Engineer (S1) OR Research Software Engineer (S2) depending on qualifications and experience and in accordance with the IIASA profiles for research software professional careers.

We offer

• 1-year full-time fixed-term contract (100%, 40 hrs/week), with the possibility of extension thereafter. Flexible arrangements on duration can be discussed, and part-time arrangements will also be considered.

• An attractive annual salary starting at EUR 52,087.00, exempt from income tax in Austria (social insurance deductions still apply), negotiable depending on the research level you are appointed to.
• The possibility to contribute to environmental sciences for sustainability and global wellbeing.
• An international atmosphere and pleasant working environment in a historic market town surrounded by green areas.

IIASA salaries are:

• Not directly comparable with other employers in Austria, due to the unique legal status and privileges granted to IIASA.
• Subject to the principle of income aggregation (Progressionsvorbehalt in German).

additional BENEFITS

• Educational subsidies for children of school age enrolled in private schools in Austria.
• A generous annual leave entitlement.
• Relocation allowances and paid home leave for employees who are hired from international locations.
• Assistance for newcomers to Austria with visa, work and residency permit applications.
• Support finding accommodation in Austria.

Further details here.

IIASA is committed to a working environment that promotes equality, diversity, tolerance and inclusion within its workforce. This is reflected in our IIASA core values. We encourage qualified candidates from all religious, ethnic, and social backgrounds to apply. In the case that candidates are equally qualified, preference will be given to applicants from countries where IIASA has a Member Organization.