Research Assistant for Diamond Project
Job description:
The selected candidate will work as a Research Assistant within the Low Carbon research group at BC3, contributing to integrated assessment modelling of climate and energy policy across multiple scales, with a particular focus on the European Union. The research activities will be carried out within the framework of the DIAMOND project, which seeks to deliver the next generation of open integrated assessment models for achieving net-zero emissions and sustainable development. The researcher will develop in-depth expertise in the Global Change Analysis Model (GCAM) that simultaneously evaluates economic, energy, land, water, and climate systems. This will include learning how to operate the model, improving specific modules, and developing new features to tackle pressing and policy-relevant research questions. The work will be carried out at BC3 in close collaboration with leading international research partners.
In addition, the candidate will contribute to broader activities within the Low Carbon group, collaborating across disciplines within BC3 and supporting ongoing research in energy and climate modelling. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a vibrant and influential research environment, engage with policymakers and stakeholders, and contribute to the low-carbon and sustainable transformation of the energy system in the EU.
There will be an option to extent the contract after the end of the project, allowing the development of a doctoral thesis. This extension would specifically support and facilitate the continuation of their research activities with the aim of developing and completing a doctoral (PhD) thesis, thereby allowing for a deeper academic engagement and long-term contribution to the field.
Key responsibilities:
Collaborate with research tasks in a European research project (DIAMOND).
Develop innovative modelling capabilities in the context of GCAM, GCAM-Europe, and the GCAM-Ecosystem suite of tools.
Contribute to achieving the project’s objectives by conducting high-quality research and analysis.
Prepare technical reports, policy briefs, and scientific publications, ensuring the dissemination of research findings in academic journals, conferences, and stakeholder meetings.
Support other activities and projects within the Low Carbon research group and collaborate with other research lines at BC3 to foster interdisciplinary synergies.
Engage with policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the research community to translate findings into actionable insights and policy recommendations.
Assist in securing research funding by contributing to project proposals and grant applications.
Main requirements/skills:
A Master’s degree in Economics, Engineering, Mathematics, Computational Sciences, Environmental sciences, or a related discipline.
Proficiency in R is required; familiarity with additional programming languages such as Git, Python, C++, and Java is highly valued.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within interdisciplinary research teams.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in English (both written and spoken) are essential, given the need to engage with stakeholders, draft technical reports, and present research outcomes.
Desirable requirements/ skills:
A solid understanding of European climate policy is desirable, as the role focuses on evaluating and modelling policy impacts in this context.
Knowledge of the Basque language (Euskara) is appreciated but not a requirement.
Prior experience in research projects related to environmental economics, integrated assessment modelling, or climate policy is considered an asset.
Benefits and work environment:
Interdisciplinary and inspiring work environment.
Quiet and spacious workspaces.
Possibility of participating in internal training and academic activities of the centre.
35-hour week work calendar.
30 days of vacation per year.