Researcher in climate scenarios and their uncertainties

At a time when climate change-related risks are becoming increasingly complex and interconnected, the need for robust scientific evidence to support decision-making has never been greater. In climate science, scenarios are frequently used as means to better understand future pathways and climate risks. These scenarios connect research communities working on the causes of climate change (energy and land use), earth system dynamics and climate science and climate impacts. The EU-funded FUTURA project brings together 40 European research institutes from these research communities to develop and analyse the next generation of integrated climate scenarios and to improve the interpretation and communication of results. PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency participates in FUTURA focusing on next-generation scenario development, feedbacks between climate change and human systems, and critical uncertainties using its IMAGE integrated assessment model.

We are looking for a highly motivated researcher to contribute to the FUTURA project. Together with the full research team, you will develop and apply methods to quantify uncertainty in, for example, emission pathways, greenhouse gas concentrations, and changes in the physical earth system. We will analyse how these uncertainties interact and how they play a role in decision-making. In addition, you will contribute to the development of new scenarios, particularly considering the consequences of temporal overshoot of climate targets, i.e. how to return to the targets of the Paris Agreement after having passed them. For these goals, we expect you to have strong analytical skills, in particular, in relation to analysing uncertainty. Given the focus of the research, we expect you to have sufficient knowledge about climate change and the main driving forces. We work as a team, but we also expect you to be able to carry out research independently. Additionally, you contribute to other PBL research activities, including model development, scenario studies, fulfilment of project tasks, and publications.

• MSc in climate science or a related study, with experience in modelling; or an MSc in mathematics or computer science with experience in climate change/environmental research.
• You have strong analytical skills, and you are fast and flexible in becoming familiar with new skills. You have experience with numerical modelling, ideally in conjunction with uncertainty such as Monte-Carlo simulations and associated sampling methods.
• You have experience applying models and developing model code (ideally in Python). Experience in working on model code as part of a team and being familiar with version control are considered a plus.
• You have a strong interest in policy-relevant research, especially with respect to climate change and scenario studies.
• You enjoy collaborative research and are open to international and interdisciplinary teams.

Even if you don’t check every box, feel free to share why you think you’d be a good fit for this position.

The working language within our organisation is Dutch. However, English is spoken within the sector you will work in (MD, Global Sustainability). For this role, we expect excellent skills in English. To facilitate communication amongst colleagues, we expect everyone to make an effort to learn either Dutch. You will, of course, be supported in this with appropriate training. Furthermore, some documents are provided in both languages, and live interpretation is available at important meetings.

Specifics

• Please note: you can only apply up to the closing date (not ‘up to and including’).
• Obtaining references or online screening (of e.g. scientific publications or LinkedIn profile) may be part of the selection process.
• This vacancy is not a permanent position, as the project you will be working on is only temporarily funded. A permanent contract is therefore not possible. If you already have a (permanent) contract with the Dutch government, you can discuss with your current supervisor whether it is possible to be seconded for the duration of the project. Well before the end of your contract at PBL approaches, you will make career arrangements with your supervisor to support you in finding a suitable next step, either at PBL or elsewhere.
• Salary placement within the offered scale is based on knowledge and experience.
• Where it suits your work tasks and duties, you may also partly work from home. However, you must live and work in the Netherlands and must be at the office for at least half of your working hours.
• Acquisition proposals will not be considered.

Onboarding
We consider a smooth onboarding process within the organisation to be very important. Therefore, during your onboarding period, you will be guided by a direct colleague. This colleague will be your first point of contact during the period in which you familiarise yourself with the organisation. Additionally, PBL has an introduction programme for new employees that focuses on the role and position of the organisation, our working methods, and work culture.

Contact
Do you have any questions about this position? Please get in touch with Detlef van Vuuren (+31611956484) or Jonathan Doelman (+31611531618).