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January 31, 2010
Research Assistant
Location: Laxenburg, Austria
Application deadline: 31 January 2010
Reference number: 19/2009
The Age and Cohort Change (ACC) project at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in Austria is offering a Research Assistant Position.
Background
The ACC project focuses on two major topics: human capital, skills and work performance; and beliefs and attitudes. Understanding age and cohort variation in productivity and values are paramount for ageing countries. Ageing and cohort change will alter values and belief structures, behaviors and social dynamics - all necessary components to develop and implement more targeted policies that relate to societal ageing and other sources of demographic change. It can help governments to anticipate changes in the skills and values caused by population ageing and cohort replacement. Unlike long-term projections of economic growth or energy use, demographic forecasts tend to have relatively low error margins, even for forecasts several decades ahead.
By assessing age and cohort variation in skills and beliefs, we can investigate whether later born birth cohorts have a higher productivity potential and can retire later without a decrease in work performance. We carry out population based projections of traits that change systematically along cohort lines and as a function of age. Our projections incorporate international migration flows, which affect the composition of skills and beliefs depending on the migrant’s characteristics in these dimensions. We also consider fertility differences and the degree of intergenerational transmission of the relevant traits. These projections allow us to better predict broad social and economic change that relate to ageing and other demographic shifts.
For more information, please consult:
http://www.iiasa.ac.at/Research/POP/ACC/index.html?sb=3
A ‘Starting Grant’ from the European Research Council (ERC) awarded to Dr Vegard Skirbekk at IIASA funds the project.
Profile
Applicants should have:
- A master’s degree in economics, statistics, sociology, demography, or another social science discipline with strong quantitative skills* Interest in the research field of economic and social consequences of demographic change
- Ability to carry out projects independently whilst working as part of an international team
- Fluency in English (written and spoken)
Tasks
- Identify and prepare data on variation in skills and productivity
- Carry out multi-state simulations
- Contribute to writing documentation and scientific publications
- Present the work at seminars and conferences around the world
Appointment Terms
The successful candidate will be offered a one-year, fixed-term contract with possibility for extension. The salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. It is exempt from taxation in Austria but subject to the principle of income aggregation. The appointment includes moving and settlement allowances.
IIASA offers both an exceptionally beautiful working environment as well as the intellectual excitement of a truly inter-disciplinary, international research organization.
Preference will be given to applicants who are nationals of IIASA member countries.
The Institute’s management and staff alike are committed to a working environment that promotes equality, diversity, and tolerance. The Institute encourages applications from all qualified candidates.
Applications
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, two recent examples of research work, plus names of two work-related reference givers (including name and title, affiliation, e-mail address and telephone number) per e-mail (Word or PDF format) to:
Ms. Alia Harrison, Human Resources International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) Schlossplatz 1, A-2361 Laxenburg, Austria Fax: (+43) 2236/713-13 E-mail: harrison@iiasa.ac.at
Please quote the vacancy number: 19/2009 when applying
Deadline for receipt of applications 31 January 2010
For general information about our Institute and its research activities, please visit http://www.iiasa.ac.at
