The Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment, Institute for Hydrology and Water Management at BOKU is currently seeking a Postgraduate Research Associate (project employment). The PhD position is integrated in the ÖAW (Austrian Academy of Sciences) project „RechAUT“. The aim of this project is to quantify and predict groundwater recharge rates, their variability and uncertainties and the potential impacts for land use and water management in Austria.

The advertised PhD position will focus on the regional hydrological modelling and regionalization aspects of the project. However, there will be a strong and intensive collaboration with the other PhD students and team members involved. Gross monthly salary and pay grade in terms of collective agreement for university staff (payable 14 times per year): B1, € 2.148,40

The successful applicant will join an interdisciplinary team to identify roles, opportunities, and pathways for cities to foster circular economy, and to become more resilient and livable under climate change across different urbanization contexts in China and Europe.

The Klaus Toepfer Fellowship Programme aims to strengthen organisations from the nature conservation sector in Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia, by developing the personal capacity of early-career conservation professionals to overcoming global biodiversity loss. The training programme catalyzes personal capacity development through training on international best conservation practice and policy, management training, and personal network development.

Key features of the Klaus Toepfer Fellowship Programme:

The only extra-occupational training programme for established conservation professionals from both governmental and non-governmental organizations of the region

Putting a broad focus on biodiversity policy

Promoting professional excellence

Focusing on technical, management and leadership skills

Considering the ecological, historical and political linkages among the transition countries of the Eurasian region

Fostering a professional network in support of regional cooperation in biodiversity conservation

Combining highly interactive seminars held in English language, field trips and inter-sessional assignments, e-learning as well as a transfer project.

The Klaus Toepfer Fellowship Programme is implemented by the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) in partnership with IUCN, the CBD Secretariat, the Secretariat of the CMS, and UNEP-WCMC. Funding of the programme is provided by the Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU).