The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization which works as a solutions broker to accelerate action and support for climate adaptation solutions, from the international to the local, in partnership with the public and private sector, to ensure we learn from each other and work together for a climate resilient future.

The GCA will set up and produce a series of annual flagship reports over a period of five years (2020-2024), under the title State and Trends in Adaptation Report, which targets an audience of global and national policy makers, the private sector, adaptation practitioners and the expert community. The reports will reflect both the present-day and recent historical changes leading up to the current state but will also look ahead at the main developments expected around the world, including both developed and developing countries, in adaptation-policy development, implementation, finance, knowledge as well at the key indicators of impacts, vulnerability and adaptive capacity over the next decades. Advances in understanding, as well as data and tools, will be disseminated through a dedicated online knowledge and data platform and linked to outreach, consultations, events and education initiatives.

Profile

We are looking for a motivated and experienced individual with a high level of competence, an independent standing as a scientist and a proven track record of methodologically innovative research to fill the role of Research Lead Advanced Modeling of Climate Change Impacts, Risks and Adaptation Solutions, working as core team member to drive forward the GCA’s role as a knowledge provider and broker in the field of climate change adaptation.

The Research Lead will report to the Chief Scientist while working closely with other senior and junior members of the Knowledge and Education Hub of the GCA, located in the city of Groningen, the Netherlands. The successful candidate will play a key role in positioning the GCA as the foremost international organization specialising in climate change adaptation while contributing to a set of knowledge deliverables to be launched on a yearly basis. She/he will have the opportunity to draw upon the substantial expertise available at the GCA and its partner organisations across the world and will be given full operational responsibility for research activities in her/his field of expertise.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop research projects that contribute to the understanding and development of modeling approaches for assessing climate-change risks and impacts; produce annual outlooks on adaptation that will help in estimating and addressing the growing climate risks in different countries and regions, especially where rapid climate changes coincide with limited adaptive capacity;
• Build and leverage international networks of experts and practitioners, and lead collaborative efforts in research, development and applications of models and tools for assessment of climate-change risks, damages, adaptation solutions, and considerations of model strengths and weaknesses;
• Develop a wide range of products on key climate adaptation topics, including peer-reviewed scientific papers, policy briefs, reports, rapid-response statements, op-eds, social media posts and presentations addressed to experts, and provide scientific advice to non-specialists;
• Represent the GCA in the international research community, including at international conferences and meetings;
• Explore relevant funding opportunities and lead the writing, editing and submission of grant applications;
• Supervise and mentor early stage researchers and strengthen in-house expertise in assigned areas of responsibility, and contribute to course development and occasional teaching at the University of Groningen.

What we offer

The GCA offers a dynamic, high-profile and international working environment in a growing organisation. You will be contributing to our global mission on climate adaptation. The post will be located at the GCA’s office in Groningen, the Netherlands on a full-time basis (32-40 hours per week).

• PhD in environmental science, climate science, water management, natural resources management and/or related disciplines;

• At least 15 years of research experience after obtaining the PhD in academia, governmental agencies, research institutions and/or research-orientated NGOs in areas related to climate change impact assessment and advanced modeling, risks and adaptation solutions;

• Deep understanding of the advantages, disadvantages and limitations of ranges of interdisciplinary modeling approaches;

• Expertise in risk thinking, risk management and decision-making under uncertainty;

• Track record of research excellence demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications or other significant published documents, research grants and positions held in organisations relevant to climate resilient development;

• Ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary and intercultural research teams;

• Strong capacities in project management and mentoring of early career researchers;

• Experience in designing training materials relevant to climate adaptation;

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English;

• Excellent planning and organisational skills and ability to work under tight deadlines in a team setting.

The GCA is looking for a world-class team of three Research Leads working closely together with the Chief Scientist across a broad range of overlapping areas of expertise, supported by several senior and junior researchers. The research areas cover at least:

– advanced modeling of risks, impacts and adaptation;

– climate and development economics; and

– climate policy governance and transformation.

The Chief Scientist and this senior team lead in developing and implementing GCA’s research strategy. and maintain and expand its collaborative network of knowledge partners. Interested candidates need to apply to one of these positions, but may not need to exactly match the narrow definition of the position selected. However, all applicants must explain their interest and insights in overlapping areas of expertise and state their motivation to be part of this senior team leading GCA’s overall research efforts. All three positions are available here https://gca.recruitee.com

How to Apply

Candidates are invited to send a cover letter outlining their interest in the position, a two-page research statement describing short and long-term research goals and main contributions to the field of expertise, and a curriculum vitae that includes research and other relevant experience, a full list of publications and the contact details of three referees. Applications must be submitted before 14 June by sending a single pdf document combining all documents.

About Groningen, the Netherlands

Groningen is a vibrant city located in the north of the Netherlands with excellent public transport between other major university cities within a three hour radius. Groningen has become increasingly attractive to knowledge migrants due to its multicultural diversity and an affordable, friendly, and safe living environment.

The Knowledge and Education Office of the GCA is located at the Zernike campus, home of the University of Groningen and the Hanze University of Applied Sciences. The University of Groningen is a research university with a global outlook, deeply rooted in Groningen. For more than 400 years, quality has been its highest priority: the University is currently in or around the top 100 on several influential ranking lists and one third of academic staff is international. The research focuses on a broad range of global challenges including energy, healthy ageing and sustainable society. The Hanze University of Applied Sciences, with approximately 30.000 students, offers diversified practice-oriented research routes, ranging from entrepreneurship to bio-based economy and energy transition, in close cooperation with businesses and industry.

Disclaimer

Due to the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19, the GCA abides by the health and safety guidelines set out by the World Health Organization and the Government of the Netherlands. To minimize the impact on the recruitment of prospective staff, the GCA ensures that remote working may be undertaken wherever possible.

Equal Employment Opportunities Statement

The GCA does not discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, nationality, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.