Researcher / Research Scholar – Education, Human Capital and Demography at IIASA: (Deadline 25 October 2026)
The International Institute for Applied
Systems Analysis (IIASA) is inviting applications from qualified early-career
researchers for a Researcher / Research Scholar position focused on Education,
Human Capital and Demography in Rwanda. The opportunity is designed for
candidates who are nearing completion of a PhD or have already obtained a
doctorate in a relevant field.
Buy Maps
The successful candidate will contribute to
an international research project examining how investments in education
influence human capital development, demographic change, and sustainable
development in Africa. The position offers an opportunity to conduct
quantitative research, collaborate with international academics, and contribute
to scientific publications and policy-relevant findings.
About the Research Project
The position is part of the project Human
Capital for Sustainable Development: A Focus on Africa and Coastal Regions,
led by IIASA Distinguished Emeritus Research Scholar Wolfgang Lutz. The project
is supported by the 2024 Yidan Prize for Education Research.
The project builds on research into
population dynamics, education, and human capital. It investigates how
investments in education can contribute to long-term improvements in human
capital and what these changes mean for health, gender equity, poverty reduction,
and resilience to environmental change.
The successful candidate will develop a
country case study examining education and human capital in Rwanda. The
research will contribute to a better understanding of how educational change
affects population dynamics and sustainable development, providing evidence
that can support policy and decision-making.
The work will involve collaboration with
IIASA researchers, the Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit
(SALDRU) at the University of Cape Town, and other international research
partners.
Main Responsibilities
The Researcher / Research Scholar will be
responsible for the following activities:
- Contribute to the design and implementation of a country case
study on education, human capital, and demographic change in Rwanda.
- Analyze and harmonize demographic, educational, and
socioeconomic datasets.
- Apply appropriate statistical and quantitative methods to
investigate educational outcomes and human capital development.
- Contribute to multidimensional demographic analyses and
population projections.
- Interpret research findings in the context of sustainable
development and policy priorities.
- Contribute to scientific publications, technical reports,
research presentations, and other project outputs.
- Collaborate with researchers and project partners at IIASA,
SALDRU/UCT, and other participating institutions.
- Participate in research meetings, workshops, and other project
activities.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must be in the final stage of
completing a PhD or already hold a PhD, preferably in one of the following
fields:
Buy Maps
- Economics
- Statistics
- Demography
- Population Studies
- Development Studies
- A related discipline
Essential Skills and Competencies
Candidates should demonstrate:
- A strong quantitative background and practical experience with
statistical or econometric methods.
- Experience working with demographic, educational,
socioeconomic, large-scale survey, or administrative datasets.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- The ability to work independently and contribute effectively to
an interdisciplinary research team.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- Proficiency in Kinyarwanda.
- Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
Desirable Skills
Experience in any of the following areas
will be an advantage:
- Demographic modelling.
- Population projections.
- Education data analysis.
- Labour-market data analysis.
Appointment Terms
The position is offered as a full-time,
fixed-term appointment for 12 months, with no possibility of extension.
The successful candidate must be available
to start as soon as possible and no later than February 2027. The primary
workplace is IIASA in Laxenburg, near Vienna, Austria, with home-office options
available.
Depending on qualifications and
professional experience, the successful applicant will be appointed as either a
Researcher (R1) or Research Scholar (R2), in accordance with IIASA’s research
career profiles.
The role may involve periods based at IIASA
and travel for project-related meetings, workshops, and research activities.
Salary and Benefits
IIASA offers an attractive annual salary
starting at EUR 42,374. The salary is exempt from income tax in Austria
under the arrangements described by IIASA, although social insurance deductions
apply. The final salary is negotiable depending on the research level and the
candidate’s qualifications and experience.
Additional benefits include:
- Generous annual leave.
- Relocation allowances and paid home leave for employees
recruited internationally.
- Assistance with visa, work permit, and residency permit
applications.
- Support in finding accommodation in Austria.
- Educational subsidies for school-age children enrolled in
private schools in Austria.
- Opportunities to work in an international and interdisciplinary
research environment.
- Opportunities to collaborate with researchers and contribute to
peer-reviewed publications and international research activities.
Applicants should consult IIASA’s official
benefits information for the applicable terms and conditions.
About IIASA
The International Institute for Applied
Systems Analysis is an international research institute that works across
disciplines to address complex global challenges. Its Population and Just
Societies Programme investigates population dynamics and their implications for
societies and sustainable development.
IIASA promotes equality, diversity,
tolerance, and inclusion in its workplace and encourages qualified applicants
from different religious, ethnic, and social backgrounds to apply.
Documents Required for Application
Applicants must submit the following
documents in English:
- Cover letter: Explain your
motivation for applying and how your qualifications and experience match
the position.
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV):
Include your academic background, research experience, quantitative
skills, and relevant publications.
- Recent research work: Provide a
recent example of your research.
- Two referees: Supply the names,
addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of two people who can
provide references.
Ensure that all documents are prepared in
English before submitting your application.
Application deadline: 25 October 2026
Post a Comment