Researcher Land Use and Global Environmental Change Modelling

Functieomschrijving

We are looking for an experienced researcher to contribute to the modelling of the future land and food system and the relationships with global environment and sustainability challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and hunger. The work will be done using the IMAGE model. The IMAGE model is a key instrument of PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency for scenario analyses of global environmental change in relation to the future development of consumption and production of energy and food. We use the model to contribute to analysis of current trends and possible response strategies for climate change or achieve other sustainable development goals. Results are frequently used in international assessments such as those by OECD, UNCCD, IPCC, and IPBES. In this position you will both apply and further develop the IMAGE model focusing on the development of land use and the food system within a safe and just operating space. This implies a focus on planetary boundaries such as climate, water and biodiversity, but also on the access to food, energy, and water. In other words, the work relates the biophysical representation of the environmental system and the agro-economic representation of the human system.

As our new colleague, we expect you, together with other researchers in- and outside PBL, to personally work on scenario and model development to provide a quantitative description of possible sustainable futures. You will contribute to model development, scenario studies, implementation of project tasks, and publications in peer-reviewed academic journals and reports. Based on your experience, we also expect you to take a leading role in projects financed by PBL or by external sources (such as the Horizon Europe project BrightSpace) to contribute to the acquisition of new projects and to help define the future research goals of the IMAGE team. A critical requirement is that you enjoy collaborating with other researchers in the IMAGE modelling team working on a range of topics such as land use, energy, and biodiversity. Your work falls under the research programme for integrated global analyses (nexus) and you will be part of PBL's Global Sustainability (MD) department.

Functie-eisen

• You have a degree in environmental science, environmental economics, or a related study, with a strong interest in studying the food system in relation to environmental pressures. A PhD degree is considered a plus.
• You have multiple years of experience (5+) conducting your work independently, you enjoy working in a multidisciplinary team, and you have experience with supervision of MSc students and/or junior researchers.
• You have experience applying models, developing model code (ideally Python and/or Fortran), and working with spatial-explicit data. Experience in working on model code as part of a team and familiarity with version control are considered a plus.
• You have excellent writing skills in English.

Do you consider a researcher that wants to use model-based scenario work to have an impact on sustainable development worldwide? Do you also like to work in a multi-disciplinary environment? Do you not (yet) meet the job requirements, but have at least 4 years of relevant experience? Or do you need adapted working conditions? Explain in your cover letter how you can contribute to our organisation anyway and what you would need (from us). We would like to see if it can still be a match where your work is appreciated.

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

Specifics

• References or online screening (e.g. academic publications or LinkedIn profile) can be part of the selection process.
• Do you already have a (permanent) contract with the national government? Then you retain your permanent contract at PBL.
• If it fits with your work activities, you can partially work from home. You do, however, live and work in the Netherlands and are half of your worktime at the office, at the least.
• A basic understanding of the Dutch language will be required. If necessary, you will be offered training to acquire this.

Onboarding
We find a good landing in the organisation to be very important. In your onboarding period, you will be guided by a direct colleague. This colleague is your first point of contact in the period in which you are still getting acquainted with the organisation. Furthermore, PBL has an introduction programme for new employees concerning the role and position of PBL, our ways of working, and the working culture.

Meer over jouw toekomstige afdeling

At PBL, you will be part of the department of Global Sustainability (MD). This department analyses the effects of biodiversity loss and climate change on society. Looking at a global scale, this department carries out assessments of policies, both proposed and adopted, on how to realise 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 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 our studies. We conduct solicited and unsolicited research that is always independent and scientifically sound. PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency believes that employees perform best in an inclusive working environment. Working in diverse teams makes our work more innovative and enjoyable.

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.