Company Description
IT:U is a new technical university in Austria (Linz) dedicated to digital transformation, driven by interdisciplinary research and project‑based learning to actively shape this transformation and advance it with a solution‑oriented approach.
Field of Research and Scope
The energy transition toward climate neutrality is one of the defining challenges of our time – calling for bright minds to develop and evaluate technological and policy solutions. Join our new research group, Energy Transition and Climate Futures, and help generate the scientific insights that will guide the transformation towards renewable energy, deep electrification, hydrogen, climate‑friendly materials (steel, chemicals) and a circular economy. We combine cutting‑edge computational modelling with policy‑relevant research to explore how energy systems, heavy industries, and societies can transform towards a sustainable future.
The Research Team
Our group is small but rapidly growing. Currently, it consists of Prof. Dr. Falko Ueckerdt and three PhD researchers (starting March 2026). Prior to joining IT:U, Dr. Ueckerdt co‑led the Energy Transition Lab at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, building a highly productive research team on hydrogen and heavy industry. The researchers in our group benefit from strong ties to leading research institutions such as the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Fraunhofer ISI, Technical University Berlin, University of Oxford, Monash University, and Tsinghua University, and have opportunities for research stays abroad.
Your Tasks and Responsibilities
Collaborative code development and data analysis based on computational models and tools.
Publish high‑impact scientific papers, aiming for Nature, Science family journals or leading energy journals such as Joule.
Supervise PhD researchers and MA students within a flat‑hierarchy, collaborative culture.
Present research at international conferences (e.g., the annual International Energy Workshop).
Collaborate with other research groups, leveraging institutional partners.
Contribute to academic teaching (up to 2 credit hours per week).
Support the research group in preparing applications for third‑party funding.
Communicate research results in stakeholder dialogues with industry actors and policymakers.
Comply with the institution’s academic standards and ethical guidelines.
Your Strengths and Skills
A completed PhD in a relevant discipline that uses computational methods (computer science, data science, applied mathematics, physics, economics, engineering, environmental/climate/energy science, or other relevant fields).
Demonstrated programming experience (knowledge of Python or R is ideal).
Experience with computational modelling or research software development, ideally in collaborative code development projects using Git.
Experience with energy systems analysis (e.g., PyPSA), scenario modelling, material flow analysis, or integrated assessment modelling (ideal but not required).
Excellent analytical skills and a strong interest in applied modelling.
Strong written and verbal communication skills in English (level C1).
Demonstrated experience in publishing and presenting scientific work.
What You Can Expect
Scientific growth and personal development through close collaboration with experts and opportunities to publish high‑impact papers.
International collaboration and opportunity to deepen networks during conferences and research stays abroad.
Societal dialogue and policy advice, engaging stakeholders from industry, policymaking, and civil society.
Cozy office spaces with a kitchen, excellent technical infrastructure (high‑performance computing cluster), free parking or an Austria Climate Ticket.
Flexible working hours through a flextime model and the option for remote office (“home office”).
How to Apply
We look forward to receiving your online application via the portal below, including the following elements:
CV (including university and high‑school grades, a summary of programming experience and computational methods, ideally with a link to a personal GitHub account or similar).
Cover letter—motivation, past experiences, research interests, and why you are a good match for our group. A detailed research program is not required.
Certificates and transcripts (including university grades, and ideally also final high‑school grades).
2–3 references of past supervisors or collaborators who can provide recommendations.
If you have any questions about the research or the group, feel free to contact Falko Ueckerdt (falko.ueckerdt@it-u.at). We typically cannot offer meetings before the actual interviews. We strongly encourage applications from women and non‑binary applicants. Please apply early; we will review applications on a rolling basis. Positions are open until filled.
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