The Peking University (PKU) - IIASA Postdoctoral Program

Postdoctoral students wishing to develop skills, experience and expertise in systems analysis, and in international and interdisciplinary research are invited to apply for a fellowship within the PKU-IIASA Postdoctoral Program. 

Eligibility and evaluation criteria

The fellowship is open to applicants of all nationalities who are highly qualified early-career researchers.

• They must have received their Ph.D. no more than five years prior to the start of the appointment.
• Due to the requirements of the Chinese National Postdoctoral Committee, candidates over the age of 35 years will not be considered and applicants holding tenure or in tenure-track faculty positions are not eligible.
• Each applicant must identify at least one faculty member from each institution who agrees to serve as his/her host supervisor.
• Selection is based on the academic excellence of the applicant, the quality of the proposed research project, compelling demonstration of the anticipated synergy of a joint postdoctoral project, and the commitment of the respective hosts at both institutions. The research proposal should include information on how the project will benefit from the research environments of both institutions and how the proposal interfaces the fellow’s own research interests with the research agendas pursued by PKU and IIASA. Applicants are advised to review the research section of the PKU webpage and the research section of the IIASA webpage. Communication with the relevant program representatives is strongly encouraged at the earliest possible stage, and before submitting an application.

• IIASA does not do lab-type research and therefore has no labs. 
• Applicants must spend their first year at PKU and second year at IIASA
• The IIASA postdoctoral fellowship requires you to be present at IIASA; please do not apply if you need to stay away from the institute for you research, or expect IIASA to fund field research.

Professional Benefits

Postdocs at IIASA have the chance to become part of a vibrant scientific community, broadening their research interests and strengthening their skills.

Working at IIASA allows postdocs to work in a rich international scientific environment alongside scientists from many different countries and disciplines. It gives the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of applying systems analysis to real-world problems, rather than conducting purely theoretical research. Access to the IIASA network of collaborators, many of whom have highly successful careers in their own specialized scientific area, can also boost career prospects.

Working in the inspiring surroundings of the Laxenburg castle (Schloss Laxenburg), close to Vienna, Austria, one of Europe's most beautiful cities, accepted candidates are given an internationally competitive scholarship (~ 39,000 EUR) that is exempt from taxation in Austria, but subject to the principle of income aggregation. There is also an allowance for relocation expenses to and from Laxenburg, and some support for monthly business travel. All appointees are eligible for either state or private health insurance and administrative, computer, and library support, as well as other research-related resources are provided by IIASA.

A unique opportunity

Kick start your career and join us at IIASA to:

• Access a global research network of over 3,500 scholars
• Benefit from working alongside 382 researchers from 48 countries
• Conduct your own independent research related to the innovative IIASA research agenda
• Enjoy the vibrant social life that comes with being part of the IIASA community
• Live in Vienna, which has been named the best city in the whole world to live in